Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms both body and soul, let me introduce you to my beloved Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup. This hearty vegan soup is packed with flavor, nutrition, and plant-based protein. It’s one of those recipes I turn to on busy weeknights or when I want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The vibrant green spinach and creamy butter beans create a delightful contrast, making every spoonful a comforting hug.

What I love most about this soup is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply need an easy dinner idea, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and can be made ahead of time—perfect for meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
Nutritious Powerhouse: Packed with lentils and spinach, it’s rich in fiber and essential nutrients.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy texture of butter beans and the bright flavors—no complaints at the dinner table!
Make-Ahead Convenience: It stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy it anytime.
Deliciously Flavorful: With warming spices like cumin and smoked paprika, every bowl is brimming with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup are simple and wholesome. They come together beautifully to create a satisfying meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

Ingredients:
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– ½ tsp ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Lemon wedges (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this soup is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

Add More Veggies: Toss in some diced carrots or celery for added crunch and flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat in your soup.
Creamy Twist: Blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture while keeping some chunks intact.
Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

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. Once hot, add the diced onion. Cooking the onion until soft and translucent (about 5-7 minutes) brings out its natural sweetness—this step sets a delicious base for our soup!

Step 2: Add Garlic

Next, stir in the minced garlic. Sautéing it for just another minute will release its fragrant aroma into your kitchen. It’s amazing how something so simple can elevate your dish!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the rinsed lentils along with vegetable broth, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. These spices not only add warmth but also infuse the soup with rich flavors. Bring everything to a boil; then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender.

Step 4: Stir in Beans and Spinach

Once your lentils are cooked perfectly, stir in those creamy butter beans and fresh spinach. Let them simmer together for another five minutes until the spinach wilts down nicely and everything is heated through.

Step 5: Season & Serve

Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little brightness in your bowl, serve it up with a squeeze of lemon juice—it’s an optional but delightful touch!

Enjoy this comforting Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup any day of the week!

Pro Tips for Making Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup

Creating the perfect bowl of soup is all about the little details, so here are some tips to help you make this dish truly shine!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality vegetable broth enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your soup, making each spoonful a delight.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different; tasting and adjusting the salt and pepper ensures that the soup is perfectly seasoned for your liking.
Experiment with spices: Don’t be afraid to add your favorite spices or herbs! A dash of chili powder or fresh herbs like parsley can give your soup a unique twist.
Let it rest: Allowing your soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking can help meld the flavors together, resulting in an even tastier meal.
Make a big batch: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezes beautifully. Prepare a large pot so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

How to Serve Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup

Serving your Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this lovely dish.

Garnishes

Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Crusty bread: Serve with warm slices of crusty bread or breadsticks for dipping—a comforting combination!
Avocado slices: Add creamy avocado slices on top for an extra layer of richness and healthy fats.

Side Dishes

Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing complements the soup’s heartiness while adding a refreshing crunch.
Roasted vegetables: Seasoned roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers provide a delicious contrast in texture and flavor to the smooth soup.
Hummus with pita chips: Creamy hummus served with crunchy pita chips makes for a perfect appetizer before diving into your hearty bowl of soup.
Simple green salad: A crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar adds brightness and balances out the warm flavors of the soup.

Enjoy serving up this delightful Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup—it’s sure to become a comforting favorite in your home!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup is perfect for meal prep! It holds up wonderfully in the fridge or freezer, making it an ideal choice for busy weeks when you need something nutritious and hearty on hand.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
Transfer the soup to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Freezing

Let the soup cool to room temperature.
Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For refrigerated soup, simply reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
For frozen soup, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or use a microwave-safe container and heat in short bursts until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use other beans in the Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute butter beans with other canned beans like chickpeas or white beans. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed before adding them to the soup.

How can I make this Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup spicier?

If you love a kick of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust according to your spice preference!

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Certainly! Vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers can be added at the same time as the onions for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is this Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup gluten-free?

Yes! This soup is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat products. Always check your vegetable broth label to confirm it’s gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this cozy Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup as much as I do! It’s not just a delicious dish; it’s also packed with nutrients that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re prepping meals for a busy week or just want something comforting after a long day, this recipe has got you covered. Enjoy every spoonful!