Description
A hearty and nutritious Lentil Quinoa Soup packed with protein and fiber, featuring a blend of vegetables, spices, and leafy greens, perfect for a comforting and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon
Grains & Legumes
- ¾ cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- ¼ cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
Liquids & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release the spices’ aromas and deepen the flavor.
- Add Lentils, Quinoa, and Liquids: Pour in the rinsed lentils, quinoa, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the lentils and quinoa are tender and cooked through.
- Finish with Greens and Seasoning: Remove the bay leaf from the pot. If using, stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the greens wilt. Add lemon juice, season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir well.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finishing touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully for longer storage.
- For a thicker texture, blend half of the soup before serving, or leave it brothy and hearty as is.
- Adjust seasoning and lemon juice according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
