Lentil and Spinach Soup (gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free)

A comfortable, creamy bowl of lentil and spinach soup is a comforting and simple meal that has an incredible taste! It’s a one-pot meal that’s prepared in simply over half an hour. Gluten-free soy-free nut-free

This can be a warming and scrumptious soup with simple, on a regular basis elements. It comes collectively in a single pan actually rapidly, and it has only a few elements. It makes use of paprika, balsamic, and black pepper to get some taste, together with aromatics, like garlic, onion, and ginger. So, even if you happen to don’t have an in depth pantry of spices, you may make this scrumptious soup!

This Lentil spinach soup is tremendous versatile. You may modify the feel to your desire, making it creamier or leaving it with extra lentil texture. Whether or not you like a blended creamy soup or a extra textured model, it will likely be scrumptious both manner!

You can even use totally different lentils on this soup, as nicely. In the event you don’t have cut up crimson lentils, you should use complete lentils. The cooking time will change — you’ll want a minimum of 20 minutes extra to cook dinner these lentils — however it’s going to nonetheless end up superb.

This soup is a scrumptious meal topped with cilantro or herbs, inexperienced onion, and a bit of sambal oelek or sizzling sauce in order for you extra warmth. I additionally love topping it with my crispy lentils or smoky tofu crumbles for much more taste, texture, and additional protein!

Why You’ll Love Lentil and Spinach Soup

• easy, 1-pot meal filled with lentils, veggies, and FLAVOR
• versatile – use totally different lentils, extra veggies, and totally different toppings to make it your personal!
• creaminess is adjustable to desire
• naturally gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free

Elements and Substitutions

• oil – To sauté. Or use a number of tablespoons inventory for oilfree
• aromatics – Pink or white onion, garlic, and ginger give this soup such a wealthy taste!
• veggies – Along with spinach, this soup has carrots, celery, and tomatoes. You need to use the quantities of carrots and celery listed or use a bit extra, or add different veggies, if you happen to like a extremely veggie-packed soup.
• spices – Paprika and black pepper add much more taste!
• balsamic vinegar – Provides a bit of sweetness and tang.
• crimson lentils – You need to use different lentils of alternative. In the event you use complete lentils, add extra 20 minutes or so to the cooking time, to allow them to cook dinner utterly.
• water or inventory – To hydrate the lentils. Use inventory, if you happen to favor a deeper taste.
• lemon juice – Provides a contemporary taste.
• non-dairy yogurt (optionally available) – Provides creaminess, if wanted. Select soy-free and/or nut-free, if wanted.

Make Lentil Spinach Soup

Warmth a saucepan or deep skillet over medium warmth and add the oil. As soon as the oil is sizzling, add the onion and a superb pinch of salt. Cook dinner for about 3 minutes, till the onion begins to show translucent. Combine the ginger and garlic, and cook dinner for a couple of minute.

Add the carrots and celery together with one other pinch of salt. You may add extra greens at this level, as nicely, if you happen to like. Combine nicely, cowl with a lid, and cook dinner for about 2 minutes. Cooking the carrots and celery first ensures they soften correctly, particularly if they’re chopped into bigger items. If utilizing complete lentils as a substitute of cut up crimson lentils, you’ll be able to skip this step and add them once you add the lentils, since these have an extended cooking time.

Open the lid, and add the paprika, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper.

Combine nicely, then add the tomatoes, water, washed lentils, and remaining salt. Combine nicely, then cowl and cook dinner for about 10 minutes. Open the lid, stir nicely, and proceed cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Examine if the lentils are accomplished to your desire. In the event that they want extra time, proceed cooking till they’re tender.

If the soup has thickened an excessive amount of, modify the consistency by including extra water or inventory. Now you can both puree a number of the soup or mash a number of the lentils utilizing a spatula, so the soup turns into creamy however nonetheless has a bit of little bit of texture. If pureeing, swap off the warmth, let the soup cool barely, then mix in batches earlier than placing it again into the pan. Or use an immersion blender to mix.

Now, fold within the spinach and a few lemon juice, and modify the consistency once more, if wanted, with extra inventory. If you would like the soup creamier, stir within the optionally available non-dairy yogurt.

Cowl and cook dinner cook dinner for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to cook dinner the spinach. Style and modify the salt, spice, or herbs as wanted. Serve the soup in bowls and prime with pepper flakes, cilantro or inexperienced onion, and sambal oelek. You can even prime it with crispy lentils, smoky tofu crumbles, croutons, or toasted bread.

What to Serve with Lentil Spinach Soup

Serve spinach and lentil soup topped with crispy lentils or smoky tofu crumbles for much more protein, texture, and taste! Or, serve with crusty complete grain bread or garlic bread for dipping.