Name: Smoky Red Lentil Soup with Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 onion, minced; 2 carrots, peeled and minced; 2 stalks celery, minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1 1/2 cups red lentils, rinsed; 5 cups vegetable broth; 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk; 1-2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 2 teaspoons kosher salt (adjust to taste); Juice of one lemon; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons honey (optional, to taste); 6 pieces flatbread, naan, or crispy socca for dipping

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that bursts with bold flavors and vibrant colors, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Smoky Red Lentil Soup with Spinach Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of smoky paprika, creamy coconut milk, and tender red lentils, balanced perfectly with earthy spinach and a bright squeeze of lemon. This soup isn’t just nutritious and packed with plant-based goodness; it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and pure satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up top view of a large black pan with two handles, filled with a cooked red-orange mixture of small grains and diced vegetables like carrots and celery, sitting on a black electric stove. The background is a white marbled surface. The colors show vibrant orange and green pieces mixed evenly throughout the dish photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to making this soup truly sing. Each item plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and that beautiful, comforting color that makes this soup so irresistible.

Olive oil: A perfect base for sautéing that adds a lovely fruity richness.
Onion: Minced finely to provide a sweet, aromatic foundation.
Carrots: Peeled and minced to bring natural sweetness and a bit of texture.
Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
Garlic: Minced for its pungent, savory aroma that makes the soup irresistible.
Smoked paprika: The heart of the soup’s smoky character, delivering warmth and depth.
Cumin: Brings a hint of earthiness and complexity.
Turmeric: Adds a golden hue and a gentle, warm flavor.
Red lentils: Rinsed thoroughly; they cook down to a creamy consistency while keeping the soup hearty.
Vegetable broth: The liquid base that enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
Full-fat coconut milk: Lends luscious creaminess and a subtle tropical sweetness.
Fresh spinach: Chopped to infuse freshness and a vibrant green color just before serving.
Kosher salt: Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors.
Lemon juice: Provides a zesty brightness that wakes up the palate.
Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper: Used for fine-tuning the seasoning and adding additional layers of flavor.
Honey (optional): A touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the smoky spices.
Flatbread, naan, or crispy socca: Perfect for dunking and enjoying every last savory bite.

How to Make Smoky Red Lentil Soup with Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the minced onion, carrot, and celery. Let these soften and mingle their flavors for about 5 to 10 minutes. This slow cooking step builds the essential flavor base you want in every bowl.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Spices, and Lentils

Next, stir in the minced garlic along with smoked paprika, cumin, and turmeric. Add the rinsed red lentils too. Keep everything cooking just for a minute or so until the garlic becomes fragrant, igniting that smoky, savory aroma that promises a cozy meal ahead.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pot with a lid and let the soup cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the lentils don’t stick, and watch as they begin to soften and create a deliciously creamy texture.

Step 4: Add Coconut Milk, Spinach, and Seasonings

Once the lentils are tender, pour in the full-fat coconut milk and add the chopped fresh spinach. Stir in kosher salt, the juice of one lemon, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a drizzle of honey if you like a touch of sweetness. This final step brightens and enriches the soup, giving it that perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and fresh.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Smoky Red Lentil Soup with Spinach Recipe hot, alongside warm flatbread, naan, or crispy socca to scoop up every delightful spoonful. It’s wholesome, colorful, and utterly delicious—all rolled into one easy-to-make meal.

How to Serve Smoky Red Lentil Soup with Spinach Recipe

A close-up of a white bowl filled with thick, creamy soup that has a golden-yellow color. The soup contains small pieces of orange carrots and dark green leafy vegetables, clearly visible throughout the mix. There are soft, textured chunks of a beige ingredient layered on one side of the bowl. A silver spoon holds a scoop of the soup, lifted slightly above the bowl to show the chunky, smooth texture. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make this soup even more special, consider topping each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for an herby pop. A swirl of extra coconut milk or a dollop of plain yogurt can add a cooling creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the spices.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or roasted vegetable salads that add texture and variety to your meal. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette complements the rich, smoky flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls placed on wooden trays with an assortment of dipping breads. You can also ladle the soup over cooked grains like quinoa or farro for a heartier main course that keeps everyone satisfied.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover smoky red lentil soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days and the flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it to your desired consistency. Avoid boiling to keep the coconut milk smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils in this recipe?

Red lentils work best here because they cook quickly and become creamy, which suits the soup’s texture perfectly. Other lentils like green or brown hold their shape more and may require longer cooking times.

Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! This soup is naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, making it a great option for various dietary preferences. Just be sure to choose gluten-free flatbread if you’re serving it on the side.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped fresh chili when you add the spices to give the soup an extra kick that warms you from the inside out.

How can I make this soup more filling?

For a heartier meal, add cooked grains like brown rice, quinoa, or barley either during the last few minutes of simmering or just before serving. This boosts the fiber and makes the dish more substantial.

What can I use instead of coconut milk?

If you prefer a different creamy element, you can substitute coconut milk with cashew cream or a splash of oat milk. Keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor, but the soup will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Smoky Red Lentil Soup with Spinach Recipe is one of those rare meals that delight your taste buds while nourishing your soul. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients that are easy to find and simple to prepare, yet the final result feels like a recipe you’ll return to again and again. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and dive into this cozy, smoky bowl of goodness—you won’t regret it!