Lentil Soup for People Who Thought They Hated Lentils Meat Op

Discover the hearty, flavor-packed delight of "Lentil Soup for People Who Thought They Hated Lentils Meat Op," a game-changer for anyone skeptical of lentils! This nutritious soup combines earthy brown or green lentils with a savory medley of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery, perfectly seasoned with cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme. A touch of tomato paste adds depth, while tender bites of smoked sausage or ham lend a smoky richness that elevates each spoonful. Fresh baby spinach and a bright burst of lemon juice bring balance and freshness to the dish, making it as vibrant as it is comforting. Ready in under an hour, this crowd-pleasing soup is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or soothing chilly evenings. Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan for an irresistible finish, and watch this dish convert even the most hesitant eaters into lentil lovers!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large, diced yellow onion
• 2 medium, diced carrots
• 2 stalks, diced celery
• 4 cloves, minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1.5 cups, rinsed and drained brown or green lentils
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup cubed cooked ham or smoked sausage
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 0 to taste parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste and stir well to coat the vegetables. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the lentils, broth, and bay leaf. Increase the heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.

Step 6

Add the cubed ham or smoked sausage and cook for another 5 minutes to heat through.

Step 7

Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 9

Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2456.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1255.4

Total Fat 48.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 123.0mg	0%
Sodium 10650.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 114.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.7g	0%
Total Sugars 29.0g
Protein 95.4g	0%

Vitamin D 2IU	0%
Calcium 416.5mg	0%
Iron 19.9mg	0%
Potassium 3164.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.4%

Protein: 29.8%

Carbs: 35.8%