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In a world where health and nutrition often take center stage, understanding the nutritional benefits of legumes and leafy greens can transform your meals into wholesome experiences. Today, we delve into a delightful recipe that combines the earthy flavors of lentils with the vibrant zest of lemon and the freshness of spinach. This Zesty Lentil Spinach Soup is not only simple to prepare but also packed with essential nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Lentil Soup with Lemon and Spinach

Discover the delightful Zesty Lentil Spinach Soup, a recipe that combines the earthy taste of lentils with fresh spinach and a zesty lemon twist. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, this comforting soup is not only nutritious but also easy to make. Perfect for a healthy meal, it features a medley of aromatics, spices, and vibrant vegetables for a satisfying bowl of goodness that will nourish your body and soul. Enjoy this simple yet wholesome dish for lunch or dinner!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

6 cups vegetable broth

4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Juice of 1 medium lemon (approximately 2 tablespoons)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they turn translucent and soft. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavor to bloom.

    Add Vegetables: Introduce the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Continue to sauté the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize slightly.

      Spice it Up: Sprinkle in the ground cumin and ground coriander. Stir the ingredients well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Allow the spices to toast for about 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavors, making the aroma vibrant and inviting.

        Cook the Lentils: Pour in the rinsed lentils and add the vegetable broth to the pot. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.

          Add Spinach & Lemon: After the lentils are cooked, stir in the roughly chopped spinach along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and vibrant.

            Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice if you prefer a more tangy flavor profile.

              Serve: Ladle the hearty soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of zesty flavor!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings