Vegetable and Lentil Soup with Spinach and Carrots and Peas and Chickpeas and Lentils and Spinach

This hearty Vegetable and Lentil Soup is a nourishing blend of vibrant spinach, sweet carrots, and protein-packed lentils and chickpeas, perfect for a comforting midnight snack. Rich in flavors and nutrients, it's a wholesome dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

Ingredients

• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Onion - 1 medium, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Celery - 1 stalk, diced
• Bell pepper - 1/2 medium, diced
• Spinach - 2 cups, fresh, chopped
• Canned chickpeas - 1/2 cup, drained and rinsed
• Dried lentils - 1/2 cup, rinsed
• Frozen peas - 1/2 cup
• Vegetable broth - 4 cups
• Bay leaf - 1
• Thyme - 1 teaspoon, dried
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the diced carrot, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add the chopped spinach, chickpeas, and frozen peas to the pot. Stir well and continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the lentils are tender.
5. Remove the bay leaf, stir in the lemon juice, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from lentils and chickpeas, promoting muscle health.
• High in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.

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