Description
Spicy Lentil Soup is the kind of cozy, flavor-packed meal that makes an ordinary day feel instantly better. This easy recipe comes together with tender lentils, carrots, celery, garlic, warming spices, and a touch of heat for a hearty soup that is perfect for lunch, easy dinner nights, healthy comfort food cravings, and simple meal prep. If you are looking for quick dinner ideas, wholesome food ideas, or a satisfying one-pot soup recipe, this bold and nourishing bowl delivers rich texture, deep flavor, and plenty of warmth in every spoonful.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/2 cups dried brown lentils, rinsed
6 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups baby spinach
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, then cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, then cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes until the lentils are tender.
5. Stir in the spinach and let it wilt for 2 minutes.
6. Add the lemon juice and taste for seasoning.
7. Ladle into bowls and top with parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Use brown lentils if you want the soup to hold more texture, or red lentils if you prefer a softer, thicker finish.
Add the lemon juice only at the end so the soup keeps its bright, fresh flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: spicy lentil soup, easy soup recipe, healthy soup, easy dinner, one pot soup, lentil soup, comfort food, meal prep, quick dinner ideas, food ideas