Dinner

Glowing Spiced Lentil Soup Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

Introduction

This Glowing Spiced Lentil Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish, full of vibrant flavors and warm spices. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal or whenever you want something healthy and satisfying. The coconut milk adds a creamy touch while turmeric and cumin fill the soup with an inviting aroma.

A white bowl filled with thick yellow soup that has visible small orange carrot pieces and bright green spinach leaves mixed throughout, sitting on a white marbled surface. A light wooden spoon rests on the edge of the bowl partially submerged in the soup. To the side, there is a white plate holding two brown bread rolls with seeds on top. In the background, a clear glass of water and a small vase with green leafy stems are visible. A cloth with red, orange, and blue floral patterns is partially under the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 tablespoons (22.5 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups (280 grams) diced onion (1 medium/large)

2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ground turmeric

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 (14-ounce/398 mL) can diced tomatoes, with juices
1 (14-ounce/398 mL) can full-fat coconut milk*

3/4 cup (140 grams) uncooked red lentils, rinsed and drained
3 1/2 cups (875 mL) low-sodium vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste (for a kick of heat!)
1 (5-ounce/140-gram) package baby spinach

2 teaspoons (10 mL) fresh lime juice, or more to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic with a pinch of salt, then sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Step 2: Stir in the ground turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.

Step 3: Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, the coconut milk, rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, salt, and plenty of black pepper. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a low boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-high and let it simmer uncovered for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the lentils are fluffy and tender.
Step 5: Turn off the heat and stir in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt gently into the soup. Add fresh lime juice to taste, then adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, ideally with toasted bread and extra lime wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra protein, add cooked shredded chicken or chickpeas during the last simmering stage.
Swap baby spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green texture and flavor.

If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup before adding the spinach.
Adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of cayenne or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup after refrigeration. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows three views of a thick lentil soup cooked in a large silver pot and served in a white bowl. The soup has a vibrant yellow-orange base dotted with small chunks of orange carrots, bits of white onion, and bright green spinach leaves scattered throughout, creating a colorful and textured appearance. In the pot, a silver ladle is scooping up some soup that looks thick and hearty. The bowl of soup sits on a white marbled surface next to a white plate with two brown seeded bread rolls with a rough texture. Next to the bowl, a light-colored chopstick rests on the edge, and a clear water glass and a floral patterned cloth add to the setting. The leafy green plant in the background adds fresh color to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils in this soup?

Red lentils work best as they cook quickly and become soft, giving the soup a creamy texture. Other lentils can be used but may require longer cooking times and result in a different consistency.

Is this soup suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients. Just be sure to check that the vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.

Mariam Harutyunyan