Name: Lentil Soup with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 6 cups vegetable broth; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese; Fresh parsley or dill

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If you are looking for a cozy, nutritious meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Lentil Soup with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe is absolutely perfect. It masterfully balances hearty lentils with the vibrant freshness of spinach and the tangy burst of feta cheese, creating a Mediterranean-inspired dish that comforts and delights with every spoonful. The layers of spices, vegetables, and bright lemon juice make it a satisfying soup that’s both wholesome and exciting for your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with multiple small white bowls arranged neatly. The bowls contain different ingredients: fresh spinach leaves that are bright green, small red lentils with an orange color, finely chopped white onions, diced bright orange carrots, whole fresh red tomatoes, and cubed white cheese. There are also bowls with white salt, yellow lemon juice, red chili flakes, brown spice mix, dark red sauce, and clear liquid oil. The colors are vivid and the bowls are arranged in an organized way, creating a clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because it uses simple, everyday ingredients that each play a special role in building flavor, texture, and color. From the earthiness of the lentils to the bright touch of lemon, every component contributes to a rich and inviting soup.

2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and is the perfect base for sautéing the vegetables.
1 medium onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
2 carrots, chopped: Bring a subtle natural sweetness and lovely texture.
2 celery stalks, chopped: Lend an aromatic crunch and classic soup base flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with warm, savory notes that elevate the whole dish.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers a warm, earthy spiciness that beautifully complements the lentils.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides gentle smokiness with a touch of vibrant color.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a fragrant herbaceous note for that unmistakable Mediterranean vibe.
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors in the soup.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
1½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed: The star ingredient offering protein, fiber, and a hearty texture.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Introduce bright acidity and a slightly sweet tomato base.
6 cups vegetable broth: Creates a savory, comforting cooking liquid that ties everything together.
3 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant green color, freshness, and a delicate leafy texture.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides a bright, zesty finish that lifts the soup beautifully.
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese: Offers tangy creaminess as the final flavorful flourish.
Optional garnish: fresh parsley or dill: Enhance freshness and presentation with a burst of green herb flavor.

How to Make Lentil Soup with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these until they soften and release their natural sweetness, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step is crucial because it forms a flavorful foundation for your soup that makes every subsequent ingredient shine.

Step 2: Build Deep Flavors with Spices and Garlic

Next, stir in minced garlic along with ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cooking the spices briefly with the aromatics helps unlock their full flavor potential. You’ll start to smell how these spices infuse warmth and complexity into the dish.

Step 3: Add Lentils, Tomatoes, and Broth

Now it’s time to pour in rinsed lentils, canned diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. These ingredients bring body and substance to the soup. Increase the heat to bring everything to a boil, then immediately reduce it to a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.

Step 4: Incorporate Fresh Spinach and Brighten with Lemon

Once the lentils are perfectly cooked, stir in fresh spinach leaves and cook just until they wilt, about 2 minutes. Spinach adds gorgeous green color and a fresh flavor that lightens the dish. Finish this step by stirring in lemon juice to brighten and balance the richness with just a hint of tangy zest.

Step 5: Serve with Crumbled Feta Cheese

Ladle your luscious soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese. The salty creaminess of feta perfectly complements the smoky, earthy soup base, providing a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor.

How to Serve Lentil Soup with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe

A close-up of a white bowl filled with thick lentil soup, showing multiple layers of ingredients mixed together. The base is a rich, brownish-orange broth with visible small lentils scattered throughout. Bright orange chunks of carrots and bits of onions are seen in the soup, adding texture. Dark green spinach leaves float around the bowl, giving color contrast and freshness. A metal spoon is partially dipped into the soup, lifting a portion full of lentils, carrots, and broth. The surface around the bowl is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top is a lovely way to boost freshness and add a pop of vibrant green. A small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also make the soup feel even more luxurious and flavorful.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or pita for dipping. A simple Greek salad alongside can echo the Mediterranean theme and add a crisp, juicy contrast to the rich soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the soup in individual bread bowls for a rustic, inviting presentation. Alternatively, topping the soup with toasted pine nuts adds an unexpected crunch that complements the soft lentils and creamy feta beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can refrigerate any leftover lentil soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the soup taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but be sure to leave out the feta cheese before freezing. Freeze the soup in portioned containers to make meal prep easy on busy days, then simply add fresh feta when you thaw and serve.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much during storage, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back to your favorite consistency.

FAQs

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

While canned lentils can save time, using dried lentils offers better texture and flavor as they cook and absorb the broth. If you do use canned, add them later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you prefer a dairy-free option, try sprinkling the soup with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or use a tangy vegan cheese alternative to maintain that zesty finish.

Is this soup suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This Lentil Soup with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe holds up very well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for meal prep. Just add fresh spinach and feta right before serving to keep them fresh.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Definitely. Adding red pepper flakes when you add the spices will give the soup a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.

How do I make the soup creamier?

If you prefer a creamier texture, blend one to two cups of the soup until smooth and stir it back into the pot. This adds extra body while keeping the wonderful hearty taste intact.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a bowl of homemade Lentil Soup with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe—it’s nourishing, flavorful, and easy to make, perfect for any day you need a little comfort and goodness in your meal. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a personal favorite to share with friends and family. So go ahead, dive into the deliciousness, and enjoy every hearty spoonful!