1. Prepare the Vegetables

Start by prepping your vegetables. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and set all your ingredients aside in separate bowls. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure everything is ready to go once you start cooking.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant.

The sautéed vegetables will create a savory base for your Lentil Soup, adding flavor and depth to the dish.

3. Add the Spices and Tomatoes

Once the vegetables are softened and aromatic, add the ground cumin, ground turmeric, smoked paprika (if using), and ground cinnamon (if using) to the pot. Stir the spices into the vegetables, allowing them to toast for 1 minute. This step helps to release the essential oils and flavors in the spices, giving the soup a more robust flavor.

Next, add the diced tomatoes to the pot. If you’re using canned tomatoes, you can add them directly with their juices. Stir everything together and let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the Lentils and Broth

Now, add the dried lentils to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the lentils are well-coated with the broth and spices.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir the soup occasionally to make sure the lentils are cooking evenly. If you find the soup is getting too thick, you can add more broth or water as needed.

5. Add Greens and Adjust Seasoning

Once the lentils are tender and fully cooked, stir in the spinach or kale (if using). Allow the greens to wilt into the soup for about 5 minutes. This adds a nutritious boost to the soup and gives it a fresh, vibrant color.

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preferences. If you want a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the soup, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is fully cooked and seasoned to your liking, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. You can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy contrast, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.

Serve the soup with crusty bread or pita on the side for dipping. The bread helps to soak up the rich broth, making every bite even more satisfying.