Ingredients
Method
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Base Ingredients
- Stir in the crushed or diced tomatoes, lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Simmer the Soup
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
4. Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a creamy yet chunky texture.
- Alternatively, transfer 1-2 cups of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
5. Finish with Greens and Lemon
- Stir in the baby spinach or kale and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the greens are wilted and well incorporated.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or crusty bread if desired.