Name: Mediterranean Lentil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3–4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 ½ cups brown or green lentils, rinsed; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 can diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh, chopped); 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional); Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Description

A comforting and nutritious Mediterranean Lentil Soup packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 ½ cups brown or green lentils, rinsed
6 cups vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 can diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh, chopped)
2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and oregano; cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and tomatoes; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.
Stir in spinach or kale until wilted. Finish with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Rinse lentils before cooking to remove debris. Don’t skip the lemon juice for brightness. Customizable with different veggies and spices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean