While cleaning out my pantry at the end of the year, I stumbled upon nearly two cups of French green lentils and a small number of Belugas, practically begging to be used. Since they were properly sorted, stored in glass jars, and kept in a cool, dark cupboard, they were still perfect for cooking. But the question was—what to make?
Rainy days reminded me of a former client’s savory vegan lentil soup with tomatoes and spinach. A quick search on allrecipes.com led me to Marie’s Lentil Soup, a highly rated, nearly perfect match. Off to Trader Joe’s I went!
Keeping things simple, I grabbed a container of Mirepoix (diced carrots, celery, and onion), fresh spinach, and a few pantry staples. The result? A hearty, protein-packed, fiber-rich, potassium-boosting meal—perfect for a cozy night in. Even with my personal tweaks (see notes below), it turned out delicious.
Marie’s Lentil Soup Recipe (Serves 6)
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped (or 1 container Trader Joe’s Mirepoix)
- ¼ cup olive oil (Trader Joe’s Spanish Olive Oil for its mild flavor)
- 2 carrots, diced (included in Mirepoix mix)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped (also in Mirepoix mix)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes (Trader Joe’s Organic Diced, No Salt Added)
- 2 cups dry lentils (remember to sort and rinse!)
- 8 cups water (I used reverse osmosis alkaline water)
- ½ cup spinach, thinly sliced (I used nearly 2 cups—it reduces significantly!)
- 2 tbsp vinegar (Balsamic worked great, but lemon juice would be a good alternative)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery (Mirepoix mix) and sauté until onions are tender.
- Stir in garlic, bay leaf, oregano, and basil, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Add lentils, water, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least an hour.
- Before serving, stir in spinach until wilted. Add vinegar and season with salt, pepper, and additional vinegar if desired.
According to caloriecounts.com, this nutrient-dense soup earns a Grade A for its health benefits. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, it’s a delicious and wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare. Try it yourself—your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
