Looking for a wholesome dish that’s easy to make, filling, and packed with nutrients? This spinach, lentil, and butter bean soup is a comforting option that delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Using simple ingredients like hearty lentils, buttery beans, and fresh spinach, this soup is the perfect solution for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for busy days.
Crafted with the idea that cooking should be approachable and nourishing, this one-pot recipe provides warmth in every spoonful. You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together and how satisfying it is, whether enjoyed fresh or as a leftover. With just one pot and a few pantry staples, this is a vegan soup you’ll turn to again and again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to love this soup. It’s loaded with plant-based protein and fiber, making it hearty enough for a full meal. The balance of spices adds depth without being overpowering, and the combination of lentils and butter beans creates a creamy, filling texture. It’s also incredibly convenient, requiring just one pot and about 40 minutes to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, it’s a simple, affordable way to enjoy a nourishing, flavorful bowl of comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient contributes to the flavor, texture, and nutritional profile of this soup. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and how it plays a role:
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
Used to sauté the aromatics and build a flavorful foundation for the soup.
Onion (1, diced)
Adds a natural sweetness and depth once cooked, forming the base of the flavor profile.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
Brings a rich, savory aroma and taste that complements the spices and vegetables.
Lentils (1 cup, green or brown, rinsed)
These hearty legumes provide protein and texture. They hold up well during simmering, giving the soup body and substance.
Vegetable Broth (6 cups)
Acts as the cooking liquid, infusing the lentils and beans with flavor while helping blend the spices.
Butter Beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed)
Creamy and tender, butter beans bring a smooth, comforting feel to each bite and pair beautifully with the lentils.
Fresh Spinach (4 cups, chopped)
Adds a pop of green and boosts the nutrient content, offering iron, vitamins, and freshness.
Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon)
Provides an earthy, warm undertone that works wonderfully with lentils and beans.
Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon)
Delivers a subtle smokiness and depth, enhancing the savory elements of the soup.
Ground Turmeric (½ teaspoon)
Gives the broth a beautiful golden color and brings mild bitterness with anti-inflammatory properties.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Essential for balancing and enhancing the final flavor of the dish.
Lemon Wedges (optional)
A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving lifts and brightens the overall taste.
How to Make Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup
This soup is a great example of how you can turn humble ingredients into something incredibly satisfying with just a few simple steps. It all comes together in one pot, making both cooking and cleanup easy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Begin by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and slightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute more, until its aroma is released.
Step 2: Add Lentils and Spices
Add the rinsed lentils to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the lentils are tender but not falling apart.
Step 3: Add Butter Beans and Spinach
Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the drained butter beans and chopped spinach. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, just long enough for the spinach to wilt and the beans to heat through.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
Helpful Tips
Allow the onion and garlic to cook slowly so their flavors develop fully.
Be sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris.
Add the spinach at the very end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can puree a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
For a creamier texture and richer flavor, stir in a bit of unsweetened coconut milk just before serving.
Details
Flavor: Comforting, slightly smoky, and subtly spiced with a refreshing citrus finish
Texture: A balance of tender lentils, creamy beans, and soft spinach in a light broth
Occasion: Perfect for simple dinners, weekend batch cooking, or meatless Monday meals
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Diet: Vegan and naturally gluten-free
Notes (Optional Variations or Substitutions)
For a more robust green, swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard.
Red lentils can be used for a softer texture and quicker cooking time, though they may make the soup thicker.
Chickpeas or navy beans are good alternatives to butter beans.
For heat, toss in a pinch of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño.
Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra color and freshness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 295 |
| Protein | 17g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Sugar | 4g |
These values are estimated based on standard ingredient portions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can lentils and butter beans be cooked together in soup?
Lentils require more time to cook than canned butter beans, so it’s best to add them earlier. Add the butter beans later to maintain their creamy texture.
When should spinach be added to lentil soup?
Spinach should be added during the final minutes of cooking. It wilts quickly and retains its nutrients and color when added at the end.
Is spinach, lentil, and butter bean soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely before storing it in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheats beautifully.
What spices pair best with lentils, spinach, and butter beans?
Spices like cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and coriander are excellent companions. They add warmth and depth without overpowering the ingredients.
Storage Instructions
Once the soup has cooled, transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For long-term storage, freeze it in individual portions. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain consistency.
Print
Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup | Cozy Vegan Comfort in a Bowl
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A cozy and nutritious spinach, lentil, and butter bean soup packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and Mediterranean spices. One pot, easy prep, and full flavor.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
6 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground turmeric
Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add 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.
3. Stir in butter beans and chopped spinach. Simmer for 5 more minutes until spinach wilts and beans are heated through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for variety.
Use chickpeas or white beans instead of butter beans.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Blend part of the soup for a creamier texture.
Stir in coconut milk for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Conclusion
This spinach, lentil, and butter bean soup offers the perfect combination of comfort, nourishment, and simplicity. With its hearty ingredients, warming spices, and minimal prep time, it’s a recipe that fits into real life while delivering big on flavor. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a group, this dish is a reliable, feel-good option to keep on hand. Try it once, and you’ll likely find it becoming part of your regular rotation.