When you think of cozy comfort food, a warm bowl of soup often comes to mind, and that’s exactly what Spinach, Lentil & Butter Bean Soup delivers! Bursting with vibrant greens and hearty legumes, this soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will warm your heart and nourish your body. Did you know that lentils are one of the oldest cultivated crops, dating back to ancient times? Not only are they delicious, but they are also packed with protein and fiber, making this soup a perfect meal for any time of year!
Spinach, Lentil & Butter Bean Soup is special not just because it’s healthy, but also because it’s incredibly easy to whip up. In under an hour, you can have a scptious pot of soup simmering on your stove, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for the family or preparing a meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to please with its simplicity and versatility. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will soon become a family favorite!
What is Spinach, Lentil & Butter Bean Soup?
So, what exactly is Spinach, Lentil & Butter Bean Soup? Well, it’s a comforting bowl of wholesome goodness that combines the earthiness of lentils with the creamy texture of butter beans, all enhanced by the vibrant taste of fresh spinach. But why the name? Picture this: a pot simmering on the stove, the aroma wafting through the kitchen, making you feel right at home. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! They say laughter is the best medicine, but I dare say that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” might just be true for anyone who tries this soup! Ready to create your own delicious bowl of warmth? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Spinach, Lentil & Butter Bean Soup
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Spinach, Lentil & Butter Bean Soup. First off, the main highlight of this dish is its robust flavor, where every spoonful delivers a healthy serving of nutrients alongside an explosion of taste. Cooking this soup at home is also a wallet-friendly alternative to store-bought options, ensuring that your kitchen stays stocked with this delightful dish without breaking the bank.
But let’s not forget the special ingredients that make this soup shine! Fresh spinach adds a vibrant pop of color and a hint of earthiness, while butter beans introduce a creamy texture that makes each bite more satisfying. Pair it with some crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. If you’re a fan of hearty stews like our Vegetable Quinoa Stew, you’ll absolutely enjoy incorporating this soup into your repertoire. So why wait? Grab those ingredients, and start creating a bowl of happiness today!
How to Make Spinach, Lentil & Butter Bean Soup
Quick Overview
Crafting this delicious soup is a breeze! With its short list of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find that making your own comforting meal is not only achievable, but oh-so-rewarding. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a simmering time of around 30 minutes – making it an accessible dish for cooks of all skill levels. You’ll love the depth of flavor that comes from the spices combined with the freshness of the spinach, all harmonizing beautifully in this wonderful soup!
Key Ingredients for Spinach, Lentil & Butter Bean Soup
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Be by rinsing the lentils and draining the butter beans. Chop the onion and garlic, and prepare your spinach.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin and turmeric, stirring well to coat the onion and garlic mixture in the spices.
- Combine the Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in Spinach and Butter Beans: Once the lentils are cooked, add the butter beans and chopped spinach into the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts, which will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish with Seasoning: Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in the lemon juice for a zesty finish. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy your hearty creation!
Top Tips for Perfecting Spinach, Lentil & Butter Bean Soup
To ensure that your Spinach, Lentil & Butter Bean Soup turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips:
- Adjust the Broth: Feel free to use low-sodium vegetable broth if you’re watching your sodium intake. You can also adjust the quantity of broth to achieve your desired thickness.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Ingredient Swaps: Don’t hesitate to mix in other vegetables like carrots or celery based on what you have on hand. It’s a flexible recipe that accommodates various flavors.
- Mind the Lentils: Avoid overcooking the lentils; they should be tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on them as they simmer!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, you’re in for a treat! Spinach, Lentil & Butter Bean Soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat until heated through, and add a splash of water or vegetable broth if it gets too thick. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
With this guide, you’re all set to put on your chef’s hat and whip up a heartwarming pot of Spinach, Lentil & Butter Bean Soup. Each bite is not only delicious but also a reaffirmation of healthy eating, comfort, and satisfaction. Happy cooking!
Spinach, Lentil & Butter Bean Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth Use low-sodium if preferred.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- to taste salt and black pepper Adjust to your preference.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 juice of 1 lemon Adds a zesty finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Be by rinsing the lentils and draining the butter beans. Chop the onion and garlic, and prepare your spinach.
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the cumin and turmeric, stirring well to coat the onion and garlic mixture in the spices.
- Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Once the lentils are cooked, add the butter beans and chopped spinach into the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts, which will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in the lemon juice for a zesty finish. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy your hearty creation!
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