20-Minute Lentil Soup
Warm and comforting, this 20-Minute Lentil Soup is packed with earthy lentils and fresh vegetables, delivering a hearty meal in just 20 minutes. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, it’s perfect for chilly nights or busy weeknights when you crave something nutritious and delicious. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also endlessly adaptable to suit various dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in diced carrots, cumin, and paprika; cook for about two minutes until the carrots soften slightly.
- Add rinsed lentils and vegetable broth; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about ten minutes.
- Incorporate the canned tomatoes (with juice) into the pot; let it simmer until lentils are tender (about another five minutes).
- Fold in fresh spinach or kale just before serving, allowing it to wilt.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added warmth, include red pepper flakes during cooking. Customize by adding leftover cooked meat or beans for a heartier soup. Ensure even cooking by prepping all ingredients beforehand.