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Lentil, spinach and cumin soup

Published: 1 Mar 17
Updated: 18 Mar 24

For a filling vegetarian dinner, try this warming Middle Eastern-style soup full of lentils, spices and spinach, and topped with fried onions and pine nuts. Lemon and yogurt add brightness to bring out the earthiness of the lentils.

For something similar, try this curried lentil soup with kale instead.

Easy
February 2013

Test kitchen approved

Serves 4
Hands on time 15 minutes, cooking time 45 minutes

For something similar, try this curried lentil soup with kale instead.

Vegetarian recipes

Nutrition: per serving

Calories: 331kcals
Fat: 14.4g (1.9g saturated)
Protein: 13g
Carbohydrates: 23g (3.9g sugars)
Fibre: 6.6g
Salt: 1.1g

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Ingredients

3-4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 onions, sliced
4 garlic cloves, sliced
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp cumin seeds
150g brown or green lentils
1.2 litres vegetable stock (we like Knorr)
200g spinach
Freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon
4 tbsp natural yogurt
25g pine nuts, toasted

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Method

Heat 3 tbsp of the olive oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan and add the sliced onions. Cook, covered, for 8-10 minutes until softened. Remove half the onions and set aside.
Continue to cook the onions left in the pan for 10-15 minutes until deep brown, sweet and caramelised. Remove and set aside for the garnish.
Return the softened onions to the pan, add the garlic, coriander, cumin seeds and lentils, then stir for 1-2 minutes until well coated in oil. Add more oil if necessary. Add the stock, bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes, uncovered, until the lentils are soft.

Add the spinach and stir until wilted. Transfer half the soup to a blender and liquidise to make a purée. Stir this back into the soup. Season to taste with lemon juice, salt and ground black pepper.
Divide the soup equally among 4 bowls, add a spoonful of plain yogurt to each and scatter the pine nuts and fried onions over the top. Serve immediately.