Are you searching for a hearty, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s packed with plant-based protein? Look no further than this delightful Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup! This recipe delivers a comforting bowl of goodness that’s not only easy to make but also bursts with flavor and nutrients, making it perfect for a nourishing family dinner or a cozy lunch. It’s a fantastic way to boost your vegetable intake while enjoying a deeply flavorful and filling soup that’s incredibly versatile and budget-friendly.
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Key Ingredients for Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup
To create this delicious and wholesome soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing aromatics and building a flavorful base.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet and savory depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential aromatic for robust flavor.
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced: Contributes natural sweetness and nutrients.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor and texture.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Provides a tangy, acidic element and body.
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed: The star of the protein show, providing an earthy, hearty texture.
- 6 cups vegetable broth: The liquid base for the soup, adding fundamental flavor.
- 1 (15 ounce) can butter beans (Lima beans), rinsed and drained: Adds a creamy texture and more plant-based protein.
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Wilts down beautifully, adding iron and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that complements the earthy flavors.
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed: Adds a fragrant, piney note.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick of heat.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: To season and enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish, optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup
This Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup is a testament to how easy, delicious, and deeply satisfying plant-based cooking can be. Its creamy texture, rich, savory notes, and the hearty combination of lentils and butter beans make it an absolute winner.
With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 35-40 minutes, you’ll have a comforting meal on the table in under an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, crushed rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Incorporate lentils and tomatoes: Add the rinsed lentils and the undrained can of diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Pour in vegetable broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Add butter beans and spinach: Stir in the rinsed and drained butter beans. Add the chopped fresh spinach a handful at a time, allowing each addition to wilt before adding more. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the spinach is fully wilted and the beans are heated through.
- Season and serve: Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup
You’re going to adore this Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup for so many reasons, but the main highlight is undoubtedly its incredible blend of heartiness and comfort, all while being wonderfully plant-based. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl! Beyond its delicious flavor, this soup is a fantastic cost-saver; making it at home with pantry staples is significantly more economical than store-bought options or takeout, allowing you to enjoy nourishing meals without breaking the bank.
What truly makes this soup special are the flavorful toppings you can add – a swirl of good olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or even some crunchy croutons can elevate every spoonful. If you enjoy the wholesomeness of this soup, you’ll also love our Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup (link to another recipe here!), which offers a similar comforting vibe with a different grain focus. Go ahead, give this Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup a try tonight – your taste buds and wallet will thank you!
What to Serve Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup With
This comforting Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of complementary dishes to create a complete and delightful meal.
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
- A Simple Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Warm Cornbread: The slight sweetness and crumbly texture of cornbread complement the savory soup beautifully.
- Quinoa or Brown Rice: For an extra protein boost and heartiness, serve a small scoop of cooked quinoa or brown rice directly in your soup bowl or alongside it.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing with any soup, a gooey grilled cheese adds a touch of indulgence.
Top Tips for Perfecting Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup
Achieving the perfect bowl of Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Rinse Your Lentils Thoroughly: This is crucial! Rinsing removes any debris and helps prevent the soup from becoming cloudy. It also can reduce any gassiness associated with lentils.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Allowing the onions, carrots, and celery to properly soften and slightly caramelize forms the foundation of a flavorful soup. This step builds depth.
- Adjust Broth Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add an extra splash of vegetable broth towards the end of cooking. For a thicker consistency, simmer uncovered for an extra few minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate, or mash a portion of the butter beans against the side of the pot.
- Season in Layers: Start with a modest amount of salt and pepper, then taste and adjust at the very end. The flavors will meld and concentrate as the soup simmers.
- Spice to Your Liking: The red pepper flakes are optional, but even a small pinch adds a lovely warmth without making it overtly spicy. Feel free to increase if you love heat!
- Fresh Herbs for Brightness: While dried herbs infuse flavor during cooking, a garnish of fresh parsley or basil right before serving adds a burst of freshness and vibrant color that truly elevates the dish.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Lentils: While green or brown lentils are ideal as they hold their shape well, you can use red lentils for a creamier, faster-cooking soup, though their texture will be different.
- Butter Beans: Cannellini beans or great northern beans can be excellent substitutes, offering a similar creamy texture.
- Spinach: Kale (de-stemmed and finely chopped) or Swiss chard can be used in place of spinach, just allow a bit more cooking time for them to tenderize.
- Vegetable Broth: If not strictly plant-based, chicken broth can be used.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcooking the spinach. Add it at the very end and cook only until wilted to maintain its vibrant color and nutrient content.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup is fantastic for meal prepping! Here’s how to store and reheat it to maintain its deliciousness:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, ladle the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving an inch of headspace if using containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: For best results, reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. If the soup has thickened considerably, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Microwave: For individual portions, reheat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute or so, until hot.
- Note on Consistency: Lentil-based soups tend to thicken upon standing and cooling as the lentils absorb more liquid. Don’t be surprised if your leftovers are much thicker; simply thin with a bit of broth or water when reheating.
Final Thoughts
The Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a bowl of pure comfort, packed with wholesome goodness and incredible flavor. It’s a testament to how simple, plant-based ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this soup is a forgiving and rewarding dish to make. Enjoy the warmth, the nutrition, and the sheer deliciousness of every spoonful.
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- Find more in Pinterest
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Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup FAQs
Q1: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A1: Yes! Sauté the aromatics on the stovetop first for best flavor. Then combine all ingredients (except spinach and butter beans) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until lentils are tender. Stir in spinach and butter beans for the last 30 minutes.
Q2: Is this soup gluten-free?
A2: Yes, this Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup is naturally gluten-free, provided your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
A3: Absolutely! This soup is highly versatile. Feel free to add diced potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms during the simmering stage.
Q4: How can I make this soup creamier?
A4: For a creamier texture without adding dairy, you can blend about 1-2 cups of the soup (using an immersion blender or carefully transferring to a regular blender) and then stir it back into the pot. This will thicken and smooth out the soup significantly.
Q5: What kind of lentils should I use?
A5: Green or brown lentils are recommended as they hold their shape well and provide a hearty texture. Red lentils will break down more, resulting in a creamier, less chunky soup.