Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup Recipe
This Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup is a hearty and nutritious Mediterranean-inspired dish, packed with tender lentils, creamy butter beans, and fresh spinach, flavored with aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Perfect for a comforting meal that’s both wholesome and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Legumes
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cups vegetable broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Lentils: Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and ground turmeric to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Add Butter Beans and Spinach: Stir in the drained butter beans and chopped fresh spinach. Continue to simmer for 5 more minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the beans to warm through evenly.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. Serve the soup hot, optionally with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add a bright, tangy finish.
Notes
- Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green variation.
- Use chickpeas or white beans instead of butter beans for a different texture and flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick to your soup.
- Blend part of the soup to create a creamier texture without using cream.
- Stir in coconut milk for a richer, creamier flavor and subtle sweetness.
Keywords: spinach soup, lentil soup, butter bean soup, Mediterranean soup, vegetarian lentil soup, healthy soup, easy lentil soup
