Spinach Lentil and Butter Bean Soup (Hearty, Nourishing & Comforting)

Spinach Lentil and Butter Bean Soup is the kind of recipe that feels both deeply comforting and wonderfully nourishing at the same time. It’s a humble, rustic soup made from pantry staples, yet it delivers big flavor, satisfying texture, and wholesome goodness in every spoonful. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber-rich legumes, and vibrant leafy greens, this soup is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special.

This recipe draws inspiration from Mediterranean and rustic European home cooking, where lentils and beans are often simmered slowly with vegetables to create meals that are filling, affordable, and deeply nourishing. Butter beans add a creamy, velvety texture without the need for dairy, while lentils thicken the broth naturally as they cook. Fresh spinach is stirred in at the end, adding color, freshness, and a boost of nutrients.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a healthy meal-prep option, or a comforting bowl of soup to enjoy on a chilly day, this Spinach Lentil and Butter Bean Soup fits beautifully into any season. It’s vegan, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand.

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Why You’ll Love This Soup

• Hearty and filling thanks to lentils and butter beans
• Naturally creamy with no cream required
• Vegan and dairy-free, yet satisfying
• Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly
• Made with simple pantry ingredients

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Stir in garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme. Cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
3. Add lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
4. Stir in butter beans and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Add spinach and cook just until wilted, about 2 minutes.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice if using. Remove bay leaf before serving.
7. Ladle into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread or rice.

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Tips for the Best Lentil Soup

• Use brown or green lentils to maintain texture; red lentils will break down more.
• Sauté vegetables thoroughly to build deep flavor at the start.
• Add spinach at the end to keep it vibrant and fresh.
• A splash of lemon juice brightens the soup and balances the earthy lentils.

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Variations

• Extra Protein: Add chickpeas or white beans alongside butter beans.
• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Tomato-Based: Stir in a cup of crushed tomatoes for a richer broth.
• Herb Boost: Finish with fresh parsley or dill for added freshness.

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Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty sourdough, garlic toast, or warm flatbread. It’s also excellent served over rice or quinoa for an even heartier meal. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast adds extra depth.

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Cultural & Nutritional Notes

Lentil soups have been a staple across cultures for centuries, valued for their affordability and nutritional density. Butter beans, also known as lima beans, bring a creamy richness often used in Mediterranean and Southern European cooking. Combined with spinach, this soup delivers iron, fiber, plant protein, and antioxidants in one nourishing bowl.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth if needed.

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Final Thoughts

Spinach Lentil and Butter Bean Soup is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. It’s comforting without being heavy, wholesome without being boring, and simple without sacrificing flavor. One pot, minimal effort, and maximum nourishment—this soup deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation.