This soup is full of flavor and all the goodness (and vitamins!) of fall vegetables. It’s thick and comforting, and just what the body needs in winter. We loved the chunky texture of soft lentils and veggies, though if you prefer a creamier soup, use a blender or immersion blender before adding the spinach. And it’s great for vegetarians, vegans, and those who eat gluten-free.
Like most of us, I suspect, I don’t usually make my own vegetable stock, buying it in cartons. Those tend to be 32 ounces or 4 cups, so for this, I used one carton and 2 cups of water, not wanting to leave half a box in the fridge. With so many veggies in the mix, I didn’t think we lost any flavor through the substitution.
In my Spice Shop mysteries, Pepper often says smoked paprika may be her favorite spice, “but don’t tell the others.” The generous amount used here adds to the lovely red color of the lentils, and gives a smoky flavor I love. If you’re worried about heat, make sure you’re using smoked sweet paprika; the amount of cumin is enough for flavor without heat.
The lemon adds a bit of brightness, but be careful, as it can quickly overwhelm other flavors. A few drops in each bowl is plenty. The zest is a delight.
Serve with cheesy bread and enjoy!
Red Lentil and Spinach Soup
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger, fresh or jarred
1 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced celery (2 stalks)
1 cup diced carrot (about 2 carrots, depending on size)
1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cup diced white or yellow potato (roughly one large)
1 1/2 cups red lentils
6 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
4 cups baby spinach
1 lemon zested and cut into wedges
Add the onion and celery and sauté an additional 4-5 minutes, until the onions become translucent.
Add the potatoes and lentils, and stir well to coat with the spices.
Spoon into bowls. Add a quick squeeze of lemon and top with about ½ teaspoon of lemon zest.
Serves 6.
Is it soup weather in your neck of the woods? What are your favorites?
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Take a step back in time with All God's Sparrows and Other Stories: A Stagecoach Mary Fields Collection of historical short mysteries, featuring the Agatha-Award winning "All God's Sparrows" and other stories imagining the life of real-life historical figure Mary Fields, born into slavery in 1832, during the last thirty years of her life, in Montana. Out September 17, 2024 from Beyond the Page Publishing.
“Finely researched and richly detailed, All God’s Sparrows and Other Stories is a wonderful collection. I loved learning about this fascinating woman . . . and what a character she is! Kudos to Leslie Budewitz for bringing her to life so vividly.” —Kathleen Grissom, New York Times bestselling author of Crow Mary
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