If you’re craving a nourishing, delicious meal that’s bursting with flavor and good-for-you ingredients, this Hearty Lentil Soup with Carrots, Spinach, and Spiced Tomato Broth Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender lentils simmered alongside sweet carrots and vibrant spinach, all embraced by a rich tomato broth enlivened with warm cumin and curry spices. It’s the kind of soup that hugs you from the inside, perfect for cozy dinners or anytime you want comfort in a bowl without fussing over complicated steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many small white bowls and plates with fresh ingredients on a white marbled surface. From left to right, there is a bunch of green parsley leaves, small flat white bowl with red chili flakes, small white bowl with minced garlic, small white bowl with olive oil, white bowl with whole lentils, white bowl filled with fresh spinach leaves, small transparent glass with lemon juice, a big transparent container filled with yellow broth, white bowl with chopped orange carrots, white bowl with chopped green celery, brown bowl with chopped white onions, small white bowl with dried herbs, small white bowl with ground coriander, small white bowl with curry powder, small black bowl with salt, small wooden bowl with ground pepper, white bowl filled with red tomato sauce, sliced white bread pieces, and small white plate with grated cheese. All these items are neatly arranged in rows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable soup. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color, turning humble staples into something magical.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps gently sauté the vegetables to build the soup’s flavorful base.
Yellow onion: Offers sweetness and depth when softened, creating a perfect foundation.
Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and a lovely pop of orange color that brightens the bowl.
Celery ribs: Bring subtle earthiness and crunch to enhance texture.
Garlic cloves: Infuse bold, aromatic notes that awaken the senses.
Cumin: Introduces warm, smoky undertones that complement the lentils beautifully.
Yellow curry powder: Adds a gentle kick and layered complexity with exotic spices.
Dried thyme: Offers herbal brightness that balances the rich broth.
Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Crushed tomatoes (canned): Create a luscious, tangy base that ties the soup together.
Vegetable or chicken stock: Provides depth and moisture for perfectly cooked lentils.
Brown or green lentils: The hearty protein and fiber star of the show, delivering satisfying texture and nutrition.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens and lifts the soup’s flavors with a fresh, zesty sparkle.
Baby spinach: Adds vibrant color, subtle sweetness, and a nutritious green boost.
Optional garnishes (Parmesan, parsley, red pepper flakes): Enhance taste and presentation, making each bowl feel special.
Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up every last flavorful drop.

How to Make Hearty Lentil Soup with Carrots, Spinach, and Spiced Tomato Broth Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns soft and translucent—this usually takes about 8 minutes. This slow cooking is key to unlocking their natural sweetness, which forms a delicious base for your soup. Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in the cumin, yellow curry powder, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together for about 30 seconds. The warm spices will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, signaling that this is no ordinary lentil soup. These spices are why this Hearty Lentil Soup with Carrots, Spinach, and Spiced Tomato Broth Recipe feels so comforting and vibrant.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the stock, then bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. The tomatoes add a tangy richness while the stock ensures your lentils cook beautifully. Once boiling, stir in the lentils and lower the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Let the soup simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. This simmering melds the flavors, softens the vegetables, and thickens the soup naturally, making every spoonful hearty and satisfying.

Step 5: Blend for Perfect Texture

Carefully transfer about one-third of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the creamy blend back into the pot, giving the soup a luscious body while still keeping plenty of texture. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend part of the soup—it’s an easy way to control texture without over-pureeing.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Stir in the fresh lemon juice and baby spinach, cooking just a few minutes until the spinach wilts beautifully. The lemon juice brings a fresh brightness that balances the earthiness of the lentils, while the spinach adds gorgeous color and a soft bite. Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed—this step personalizes your bowl of cozy goodness.

How to Serve Hearty Lentil Soup with Carrots, Spinach, and Spiced Tomato Broth Recipe

The image shows a large white enamel pot filled with thick soup that has a warm orange-brown base. Visible in the soup are small orange cubes, bright green spinach leaves, and tiny brown lentils. On the surface, there is a sprinkling of finely chopped fresh green herbs, some grated white cheese, and small red pepper flakes. The pot has a green handle, and it sits on a white marbled surface. The soup looks rich and hearty with a mix of textures from soft vegetables and tender lentils. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes is a delightful way to amp up flavor and make your soup feel truly special. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, salty finish, minced fresh flat-leaf parsley to add an herbaceous pop, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. These simple touches take the experience from everyday to memorable.

Side Dishes

This soup shines when paired with crusty bread—it’s practically begging to be dipped and savored. A crisp green salad or a plate of roasted vegetables makes for a balanced, wholesome meal that feels satisfying without being heavy. Whole-grain crackers also complement the soup’s texture and flavor beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or sourdough bread bowls to wow your guests visually and add an extra cozy vibe. Layer a dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of coconut cream on top for an exciting creaminess that contrasts the spiced broth. Adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds gives a nice crunch and an extra nutrient boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Hearty Lentil Soup with Carrots, Spinach, and Spiced Tomato Broth Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This soup freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep for up to 3 months, so you always have a nourishing option on hand when time is tight or you need comfort fast.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a splash of water or broth to restore that perfect silky consistency. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning before serving to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of brown or green lentils?

Red lentils cook faster and become quite soft, almost creamy. If you use them, reduce the cooking time to avoid the soup turning too mushy. Brown or green lentils keep their shape better for this recipe’s hearty texture.

Is this soup vegan friendly?

Absolutely! The soup itself is vegan if you use vegetable stock and skip the Parmesan or choose a vegan cheese alternative. It’s a wonderful, plant-based source of protein and flavor.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Start by sautéing the aromatics on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 3 to 4 hours until lentils are tender. Add the spinach and lemon juice at the end.

How spicy is the soup?

The curry powder and cumin add warmth and depth but aren’t overly spicy. You control the heat with red pepper flakes as a garnish, so it can be as mild or as spicy as you like.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh spinach?

Frozen spinach works just fine—add it fully thawed and squeezed dry near the end of cooking. You can also substitute with other tender greens like kale or Swiss chard, though cooking times may vary.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Hearty Lentil Soup with Carrots, Spinach, and Spiced Tomato Broth Recipe a whirl because it’s truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s friendly to your pantry, packed with goodness, and oh-so-satisfying. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become a go-to comfort food that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Happy cooking and even happier eating!