Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a soup that’s hearty, healthy, and bursting with vibrant flavors, the Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup is your new best friend. This comforting bowl combines tender lentils, creamy butter beans, and fresh spinach in a fragrant broth spiced just right with cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. It’s a perfect meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, packed with protein, fiber, and bright greens to keep you energized and satisfied.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own special touch. Every component, from the aromatic spices to the fresh spinach, builds layers of flavor and texture that make this soup so irresistible.

• 2 tbsp olive oil: Acts as a flavorful base for sautéing, adding a subtle richness.
• 1 onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth as it softens.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a sharp, aromatic punch to brighten the soup.
• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed: Adds a hearty, earthy texture and a good dose of protein.
• 6 cups vegetable broth: The comforting liquid foundation that carries all flavors together.
• 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess and a smooth, buttery bite.
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Provides a pop of vibrant green color and a fresh, tender contrast.
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Offers a warm, nutty aroma to tie the spices together.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Gives a smoky subtle heat that enriches the broth.
• ½ tsp ground turmeric: Adds earthiness and a beautiful golden hue.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to balance and enhance every flavor.
• Lemon wedges (optional): A brilliant finishing touch to brighten the whole dish with acidity.

How to Make Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warmed, add the diced onion and cook it gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This slow cooking melts the onions and creates a naturally sweet and savory foundation. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until its fragrance fills the kitchen. This process is key—it unlocks a depth of flavor that makes the soup truly special.

Step 2: Build the Broth base

Next, add the rinsed lentils straight into the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. These spices mingle beautifully to give the broth its complex, warm character. Bring everything up to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently. Around 20 to 25 minutes of simmering will soften the lentils perfectly, allowing them to absorb the spicy, aromatic broth.

Step 3: Add Butter Beans and Spinach

Once the lentils are tender, it’s time to fold in the butter beans and chopped spinach. These ingredients add creamy and fresh textures to the soup. Let the pot simmer for an additional 5 minutes, just long enough for the spinach to wilt and the beans to warm through without losing their shape. The vibrant green color of the spinach adds visual appeal and a nourishing boost.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For a bright finishing touch, serve hot bowls with lemon wedges on the side—squeezing a bit of lemon juice in just before eating takes the flavors to a whole new level of deliciousness.

How to Serve Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup

Garnishes

To elevate your serving experience, try garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or coriander for an herbal freshness. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of coconut cream also complements the spices wonderfully while adding a creamy contrast. If you like a bit of crunch, toasted pumpkin seeds or crusty croutons sprinkled on top bring in delightful texture.

Side Dishes

This soup is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with warm, crusty bread or garlic naan makes for a satisfying meal. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette will refresh the palate between spoonfuls. For a heartier spread, serve alongside roasted root vegetables or a grain bowl with quinoa or couscous to round out the dinner plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress friends? Serve the Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup in rustic bread bowls for a charming twist. Ladle it into colorful bowls and sprinkle with vibrant chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for visual flair and an extra kick. Layer it as a starter in small mason jars for elegant gatherings or on the go meals that feel homemade and thoughtful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors and prevent the greens from wilting too much. When refrigerated, the flavors actually tend to deepen and meld, making leftovers just as tasty, if not better.

Freezing

Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup freezes very well. To freeze, cool the soup completely and pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture of the butter beans and spinach may change slightly after freezing, but the taste remains delicious.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to adjust the consistency. Avoid overheating to keep the spinach tender and prevent the lentils from breaking down too much.

FAQs

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried ones?

Yes, canned lentils can be used to speed up the cooking process. Add them after the broth has come to a boil and reduce the simmering time since canned lentils are already cooked. Just rinse and drain them well before use.

Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs. Just make sure your vegetable broth is gluten-free if you are sensitive.

Can I substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach?

Frozen spinach works fine in a pinch. Add it during the last step like fresh spinach, but reduce cooking time slightly as frozen spinach is already cooked and will wilt quickly.

What other beans can I use instead of butter beans?

Great alternatives include cannellini beans, navy beans, or chickpeas. These will provide a similar creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the lentils and spices well.

How can I make this soup spicier?

If you enjoy heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili peppers along with the other spices. You can also top the soup with chili flakes or a drizzle of spicy chili oil just before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup that nourishes both body and soul. Its blend of wholesome ingredients and cozy spices makes it an easy go-to for any time you want a meal that’s simple to prepare but full of heartwarming flavor. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and fall in love with this soup just like I have—it’s a kitchen treasure that will keep you coming back for more.

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