Name: Hearty Lentil and Garden Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Cuisine: Healthy
Ingredients: 1 cup brown lentils; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 yellow onion; 2 carrots; 2 celery stalks; 3 cloves garlic; 1 tsp dried thyme; 6 cups vegetable broth; 2 cups baby spinach; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 bay leaf

Quick Summary

This nutrient-dense soup combines protein-rich brown lentils with carrots, celery, and spinach. It is a one-pot meal that comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for healthy meal prep.

Ingredients

1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
6 cups vegetable broth
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 tbsp lemon juice

Sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp cumin
1 can diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation Method

1. Sauté the aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft.
2. Bloom the spices. Stir in garlic, thyme, and cumin. Cook for one minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer. Add the lentils, broth, tomatoes, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes.
4. Finish. Stir in the baby spinach until wilted. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper just before serving.

Stewart's Secret

Don't skip the lemon juice. That tiny hit of acid brightens the deep, earthy flavors of the lentils and lifts the entire dish. Add it right at the end to keep the flavor fresh.

Nutrition Snapshot

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	310 kcal
Protein	16g
Carbohydrates	48g
Fat	5g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use green lentils instead?

Yes, green lentils hold their shape well, though they may require an extra 5–10 minutes of cooking time.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

What can I add for extra protein?

You can stir in pre-cooked chickpeas or top with a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.

Hearty Lentil and Garden Vegetable Soup

The Story

1Ingredients

2Instructions

Quick Summary

Ingredients

Preparation Method

Stewart's Secret

Nutrition Snapshot

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use green lentils instead?

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

What can I add for extra protein?

Nutrition Information

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