Palate Pleaser's Lentil Soup

Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, Palate Pleaser’s Lentil Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. This vegan-friendly recipe features tender lentils simmered in a fragrant medley of garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and thyme, creating a depth of flavor that’s sure to satisfy. A dynamic mix of fresh vegetables—like carrots, celery, and baby spinach—adds vibrant color and texture, while a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens every spoonful. Easy to prepare in just under an hour, this one-pot dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the savory broth, and don't forget to finish with a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh, finishing touch. Nutritious, hearty, and irresistibly aromatic—this lentil soup is everything your taste buds crave!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1.5 cups green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 14 ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juices)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups baby spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, and dried thyme to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Step 6

Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Stir in the baby spinach leaves and let them wilt, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2587.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1407.1

Total Fat 44.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.9g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6676.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 207.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 57.1g	0%
Total Sugars 53.4g
Protein 63.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 572.6mg	0%
Iron 27.0mg	0%
Potassium 5865.8mg	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: 27.0%

Protein: 17.1%

Carbs: 55.9%