Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup (Print Version)

Warm bowl of lentils, spinach, and butter beans with savory spices. Nutritious comfort in every spoonful.

# Ingredients:

01 - 2 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
05 - 6 cups vegetable broth
06 - 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
08 - 1 tsp ground cumin
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - ½ tsp ground turmeric
11 - Salt and pepper, to taste
12 - Lemon wedges (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
02 - Add the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until lentils are tender.
03 - Stir in the butter beans and spinach. Simmer for 5 more minutes until the spinach wilts and the beans are heated through.
04 - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for variety.
02 - Use chickpeas or white beans instead of butter beans.
03 - Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
04 - Blend part of the soup for a creamier texture.
05 - Stir in coconut milk for a richer flavor.