Smoky Vegetarian Lentil Spinach Soup
Indulge in this comforting Smoky Vegetarian Lentil Spinach Soup, a deliciously hearty dish designed for those who crave flavor without the meat. Inspired by traditional recipes that often include bacon, I’ve reimagined this soup to maintain that rich, smoky essence by enhancing it with fresh herbs and spices. This larger batch makes 3-4 quarts—perfect for meal prepping for the week ahead or sharing with family and friends. The combination of lentils, leafy spinach, and a savory broth creates a nourishing soup bursting with nutrients and flavors, making it an ideal choice for any time of year. Whether served as a main dish or a starter, it’s sure to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1/4 cup (Used for sautéing vegetables)
Onions
1 1/2 large (Chopped fine)
Carrots
4 medium (Peeled and chopped medium)
Celery ribs
4 (Chopped medium)
Garlic cloves
6 (Minced)
Diced tomatoes
2 (14 1/2 ounce cans) (No preparation needed)
Bay leaf
1 large (Whole)
Fresh thyme
2 teaspoons (Minced)
Lentils
2 cups (No preparation needed)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Ground black pepper
To taste (To season)
Vegetable broth
8 cups (No preparation needed)
Water
3 cups (No preparation needed)
Spinach
8 ounces (Baby whole or regular chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook while stirring occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften, about 4-8 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.
4
Add the diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5
Introduce the lentils into the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to combine.
6
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 7-10 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the lentils darken.
7
Remove the lid and pour in the vegetable broth along with the water. Bring the mixture to a full boil.
8
Once boiling, cover partially and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer for about 30-35 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
9
After cooking, discard the bay leaf.
10
Using a blender, puree 3 cups of the soup until smooth, then return the puree back to the pot to create a creamy texture.
11
Finally, stir in the spinach and allow it to wilt within the hot soup.
12
Serve hot or ladle into plastic containers for your meal prep needs!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Vegetarian Lentil Spinach Soup?
It is a hearty, nourishing soup made with lentils and spinach, featuring a rich, smoky essence created through a blend of fresh herbs and spices.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian and meat-free.
Is this soup vegan and dairy-free?
Yes, it uses vegetable broth and olive oil, making it both vegan and dairy-free.
How many quarts of soup does this recipe make?
This recipe makes a large batch of approximately 3 to 4 quarts.
How long does it take to sauté the base vegetables?
The onions, carrots, and celery should be cooked for about 4 to 8 minutes until they begin to soften.
What is the purpose of pureeing part of the soup?
Pureeing 3 cups of the soup and returning it to the pot creates a creamier texture without needing to add dairy.
When should I add the spinach?
Stir in the spinach at the very end and allow it to wilt within the hot soup.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely; it is designed for meal prepping and can be ladled into containers for the week ahead.
How long should the lentils simmer?
The soup should simmer for 30 to 35 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
This recipe calls for 6 minced garlic cloves for a flavorful broth.
Should the bay leaf be eaten?
No, you should discard the bay leaf after the cooking process is complete.
What type of lentils are used?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of lentils, which darken and soften during the cooking process.
How do I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be peeled and chopped into medium-sized pieces.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this soup?
The recipe uses two 14.5 ounce cans of diced tomatoes.
Can I use frozen spinach?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of baby whole or regular chopped spinach, which typically refers to fresh, but frozen could be used if thawed and drained.
How much liquid is added to the pot?
The recipe requires 8 cups of vegetable broth and 3 cups of water.
What herbs provide the flavor?
Fresh minced thyme and a large bay leaf provide the primary herbal notes.
How do I know when the garlic is ready?
Cook the minced garlic for approximately 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
What is the cooking step after adding lentils but before the broth?
Cover the pot and cook the lentils and vegetables for 7 to 10 minutes until the lentils darken.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.
How many celery ribs are needed?
You will need 4 celery ribs, chopped medium.
Does this soup contain any cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients listed, this soup is cholesterol-free.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 and 1/2 large onions, chopped fine.
What should I do if I don't have a blender?
While pureeing makes it creamier, you can skip that step if you prefer a chunkier, broth-based soup.
How do I season the soup?
Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Why is it called 'smoky' if there is no bacon?
The smoky essence is reimagined using a combination of fresh herbs and spices to maintain richness without meat.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use regular chopped spinach?
Yes, you can use either baby whole spinach or regular chopped spinach.
How should the soup be served?
Serve it hot as a main dish or a nourishing starter.