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In the realm of culinary traditions, comfort food holds a special place in our hearts. It transcends mere sustenance, offering warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a rainy day, comfort food has the unique ability to envelop us in a delightful embrace, reminding us of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. Among the many delightful options available, lentil soup stands out as a quintessential choice, perfectly embodying the essence of coziness and nourishment.

Hearty Lentil Soup with Spinach and Carrots

Warm up any season with Cozy Comfort Lentil Soup, a delectable blend of nutritious lentils, fresh vegetables, and vibrant spices. This heartwarming dish not only satisfies your hunger but also supports your health with its rich protein and fiber content. Perfect for families and versatile for various diets, this soup embodies the essence of comfort food. Discover how easily you can create this nutritious staple that brings warmth and joy to your table.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 medium potato, peeled and diced

6 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp cumin

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Juice of 1 lemon (for serving)

Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

    Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and potato. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.

      Combine Lentils and Spices: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot along with the dried thyme, cumin, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

        Pour in Broth: Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring the lentils and veggies are fully submerged. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.

          Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.

            Add Spinach: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach until wilted. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your preference.

              Finishing Touch: Remove the bay leaf and squeeze in the juice of one lemon for an extra layer of flavor. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 4 servings