This Middle Eastern Spinach Lentil Soup is so easy and so good. It takes less than one hour to make, and it’s nutritious, vegetarian-friendly, and economical. What’s not to love? Aside from the wholesome lentils and spinach, this flavorful soup is packed with healthy vegetables like onions, carrots, tomatoes, and garlic. Instead of flavoring the soup with classic herbs, it is flavored with cumin, paprika, and chili pepper. It’s a spicy, bold, savory combo, and I enjoy the twist. Serve topped with a spoonful of garlic yogurt (super-simple recipe included) for an extra special hit of creaminess.
The recipe calls for vegetable stock. If you are tight on time, it’s always fine to use your favorite store-bought stock. But to really impart flavor, try your hand at making your own stock. For a non-vegetarian version, use chicken stock or broth.
To make the Middle Eastern Spinach Lentil Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons olive, then add the finely chopped onion, carrots, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon chili flakes, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir, then cover with a lid and cook, stirring occasionally, over low heat for 7-8 minutes until tender and lightly golden.
Add 2 teaspoons ground cumin and 2 teaspoons sweet paprika and stir for a few seconds.
Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Add in 1 ¼ cups lentils and 1 ½ quarts stock, stir, and bring to a boil. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, stir together ½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve
Add 3 diced tomatoes to the soup and simmer for 5 minutes more.
Add in the sliced spinach and cook until wilted. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Ladle the soup in bowls and serve topped with a spoonful of garlic yogurt and lemon wedges for squeezing over.
Give this Middle Eastern Spinach Lentil Soup recipe a try, and share it using the hashtag #cookmerecipes or by tagging @cookmerecipes on Instagram! We love seeing what you’ve made!
Absolutely delicious soup! Made this with my husband last week, and we loved every spoonful. The spices gave it a great kick, and it was so easy to prepare.
OMG, this Middle Eastern Spinach Lentil Soup is the bomb! So easy and mad delicious. I whipped it up in no time for my fam, and they went crazy over it! Love the kick from the spices, and that garlic yogurt? Pure heaven! Definitely making this again!
Deliciously spicy soup!
I made this delish spinach lentil soup last week after a long day, and it was just the comfort food I needed. So easy to whip up, tasted brilliant! My hubby couldn't get enough, cheers for this gem
Lovely
I made this Middle Eastern Spinach Lentil Soup for our family game night, and it was a hit! Even my picky husband loved it. The spices gave it such a unique flavor compared to our usual soups. Plus, it was so easy to throw together. Will definitely make it again.
I made this Middle Eastern Spinach Lentil Soup for my friends’ game night and they loved it! It's super easy and the flavors are just WOW. I added a bit more chili pepper and it was perfect! Definetly a new favorite around here.
OMG, this soup is a game changer! Made it for a cozy dinner with my hubby and we were blown away. So easy and delish! The spices like cumin and paprika totally hit the spot. Def gonna add this to our regulars! 💚
I made this soup for my family last week, and it was a hit. Simple and delish.
I made this soup for a cozy family dinner, and it was a hit! The spices gave it a unique flavor. Loved how easy it was, perfect for busy nights.
Excepctionally delicious! Reminded me of my grandmother's cooking.
Amazing! I made this soup for my husband and it was a hit! The spices gave it a unique twist, and I loved how quick it was to prepare. Perfect for cozy nights in!
I absolutely loved this Middle Eastern Spinach Lentil Soup! It was so easy to make after a busy day of running around with the kids. The flavors are bold and delicious. I even involved my little ones in adding the spices, and they had a blast! Definitely a family favorite now.
Oh là là, this Middle Eastern Spinach Lentil Soup is a total delight! I made it for my family last Saturday, and they loved it. The flavors are unbelievably rich! It’s a new favorite in our home. My kids even asked for seconds. Simple to make, healthy, and so delicious! I’m thrilled I discovered this recipe.
Superb
