- PREP-TIME: 20 MINUTES / READY IN: 1 HOUR
- MAKES 8 CUPS
- SERVING SIZE: 2 CUPS
Fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and spicy red pepper flakes deliver a trifecta of tastiness in this nourishing spinach soup. Nutrient-dense lentils add heft and lend their starchy texture as a thickening agent for the savory broth, ensuring each bite is rich and creamy. Cubes of butternut squash get melt-in-your-mouth tender while the wilted greens add vibrant pops of color. A little bit of chopped tomato adds a hint of acidity so each spoonful is packed full of complex flavor. Serve this wholesome soup alongside a slice of crusty whole wheat bread to soak up the excess broth or add in a cup of precooked whole grains for an additional dose of plant-based goodness.
By Darshana Thacker Wendel, Feb 28, 2023
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
- 2 cups chopped peeled butternut squash
- 1 cup finely chopped tomato
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 cups packed fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a bowl combine lentils and 3 cups hot water. Let soak at least 20 minutes.
- Heat a large saucepan over medium. Add onion, garlic, and ¼ cup water. Cook 10 minutes or until onion is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Drain lentils; add to saucepan along with vegetable broth, thyme, and oregano. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Stir in squash, tomato, and crushed red pepper. Cover and cook 20 minutes more or until squash is tender. Stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Stir in spinach and lemon zest. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more or until spinach wilts slightly. Serve immediately.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Per serving (2 cups): 258 calories, 52 g carbohydrates, 15.4 g protein, 1 g total fat, 0.2 g saturated fat, 0 g cholesterol, 370 mg sodium, 9.2 g fiber, 7 g sugar
Note: Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only.