Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a heartwarming meal that bursts with flavor and nourishment, look no further than Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup. This vibrant, wholesome soup brings together earthy lentils, creamy butter beans, and fresh spinach in a cozy broth seasoned with aromatic spices. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a plant-powered dish that’s as satisfying as it is colorful, perfect for any day when you want comfort without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to making this soup truly shine. Each component plays its part—from the tender lentils adding a rich texture, to the spinach providing a fresh, green brightness, creating a bowl that is both nutritious and delicious.

• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor when sautéing your aromatics.
• Onion: Diced onions form a savory foundation with their natural sweetness once cooked.
• Garlic: Minced cloves add a fragrant depth that wakes up the entire soup.
• Green or brown lentils: Rinsed well, these lend hearty substance and protein.
• Vegetable broth: The comforting liquid base that brings all flavors together.
• Butter beans: Creamy and tender, they boost the soup’s richness and texture.
• Fresh spinach: Chopped to fold in vibrant color and delicate greens.
• Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note that complements the lentils beautifully.
• Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that deepens the flavor profile.
• Ground turmeric: Its golden hue creates a beautiful color and a mild, unique aroma.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the ingredients.
• Lemon wedges (optional): A splash of fresh citrus brightens the soup just before serving.

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. Add the diced onion and cook gently until it becomes soft and translucent—this sweetness builds the soul of your soup. Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about one minute, making sure those scents fill your kitchen and whet your appetite.

Step 2: Build your flavorful base

Now, it’s time to add the rinsed lentils along with the vegetable broth and spices—ground cumin, smoked paprika, and ground turmeric. These spices infuse the soup with warmth and subtle complexity. Bring everything to a boil, then turn down the heat to simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. The lentils should become tender and perfectly absorb the spiced broth.

Step 3: Add the butter beans and spinach

Once the lentils are tender, stir in the butter beans and fresh spinach. The butter beans add a creamy texture that surprises the palate, while the spinach wilts beautifully, bringing that vivid green freshness to the soup. Let it simmer just five minutes more, enough to warm everything through without losing that fresh bite.

Step 4: Season and finish

Finally, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you like, squeeze a little lemon juice right before serving to add a lively zing that perfectly balances the deep savory flavors.

How to Serve Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup

Garnishes

To elevate your Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup, consider garnishing with a drizzle of good olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro, or a few grated Parmesan shavings if you enjoy a bit of richness. A squeeze of lemon or a dollop of crème fraîche adds refreshing brightness or creamy indulgence.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs delightfully with crusty bread or warm garlic naan to soak up every last drop. A simple side salad with tangy vinaigrette keeps the meal light and fresh. For heartier options, roasted vegetables or a grilled cheese sandwich complement the wholesome, comforting nature of the soup perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls, letting everyone enjoy edible containers that add texture and flavor. You can also blend half the soup for a creamier texture while leaving the rest chunky, giving a nice contrast in each spoonful. Adding a swirl of pesto or chili oil just before serving takes your presentation and taste to the next level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your next meal even more enjoyable.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge to preserve the texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened in storage, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up without diluting the taste.

FAQs

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried ones?

Absolutely! Using canned lentils can save time. Just add them towards the end of cooking and reduce the simmer time, since canned lentils are already cooked and will only need warming through.

Is Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup suitable for vegans?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan, making it a hearty and nutritious choice for anyone following a plant-based diet. Just watch out for any garnishes like cheese if you want to keep it strictly vegan.

Can I substitute other greens for the spinach?

Certainly! Kale, chard, or collard greens all make great substitutions. Just add them a bit earlier in the cooking process since some greens take longer to soften than spinach.

How spicy is the soup?

The soup carries gentle warmth from the cumin and smoked paprika but is not spicy hot. You can always add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.

What can I serve with Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup for a complete meal?

Pairing your soup with a slice of hearty whole-grain bread, a fresh salad, or even a grain like quinoa or brown rice on the side can round out the meal, keeping it balanced and filling.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to make this Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup your go-to comfort bowl. It’s simple to prepare, packed with nutrients, and just pure cozy goodness. Once you taste how these humble ingredients come together in such a flavorful hug of a soup, it might just become one of your favorite dishes too.

Print