Name: Smoky Red Lentil Soup with Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ onion, minced; 2 carrots, peeled and minced; 2 stalks celery, minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon turmeric; 1½ cups red lentils, rinsed; 5 cups vegetable broth; 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk; 1–2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 2 teaspoons kosher salt (adjust to taste); Juice of 1 lemon; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons honey (optional); 6 pieces flatbread, naan, or crispy socca for dipping

Ingredients

Soup Base

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ onion, minced
2 carrots, peeled and minced
2 stalks celery, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon turmeric
1½ cups red lentils, rinsed
5 cups vegetable broth
1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
1–2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 teaspoons kosher salt (adjust to taste)
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons honey (optional)

For Serving (Optional)

6 pieces flatbread, naan, or crispy socca for dipping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the minced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add Garlic, Spices, and Lentils: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, and rinsed red lentils. Cook for about one minute, allowing the garlic and spices to release their aroma.
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Partially cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Incorporate Coconut Milk and Spinach: Add the full-fat coconut milk, chopped spinach, kosher salt, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Season to Taste: Adjust flavor by adding garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and honey if desired. Stir thoroughly and heat through for a few minutes until spinach wilts and soup is creamy and hot.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm with flatbread, naan, or crispy socca for dipping and enjoying the full comforting experience.

Notes

Adjust the amount of salt and spices according to your preference.
Honey is optional and can be omitted to keep the dish fully vegan.
Red lentils cook quickly and naturally thicken the soup, so no additional thickener is needed.
For a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth or water to reach desired consistency.
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Author: Chef
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Vegan, International
Diet: Vegan