Mediterranean Spicy Spinach and Lentil Soup
Recipe: https://recipestripper.com/recipes/fa4f57ba-c9ff-48b3-9c52-a9e70e7481b7
Original source: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/mediterranean-spicy-spinach-lentil-soup/
Recipe image: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/spicy-lentil-soup-recipe-10.jpg

The secret to this spicy lentil soup recipe is in the bold aromatics and warm Mediterranean spices. And don’t omit the lime juice; it will brighten the soup and pull the flavors together in the best way possible. Use a bag of frozen spinach, no need to thaw ahead of time. And forthe lentils, I recommend green, black, or small brown lentils.
Yield: 6
Prep time: PT5M
Cook time: PT30M
Total time: PT35M

Ingredients
- extra virgin olive oil,
- 1 large yellow onion, (finely chopped)
- 1 large garlic clove, (chopped)
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoon sumac
- 1 1/2 teaspoon crushed red peppers
- 2 teaspoon dried mint flakes
- Pinch of sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 3 cups water, (more if needed)
- 12 ounces frozen cut leaf spinach, (no need to thaw)
- 1 1/2 cups green lentils or small brown lentils, (rinsed)
- 1 lime, (juice of)
- 2 cups chopped flat leaf parsley

Instructions
1. In a large ceramic or cast iron pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add the chopped onions and sautee until golden brown. Add the garlic, all the spices, dried mint, sugar and flour. Cook for about 2 minutes on medium heat stirring regularly.
2. Now add the broth and water. Raise the heat to high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil; add the frozen spinach and the lentils. Cook for 5 minutes on high heat then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the lentils are fully cooked to tender. (Partway through cooking, check the liquid levels, and if you need to add a little bit of hot water.)
3. Once the lentils are fully cooked, stir in the lime juice and chopped parsley. Remove from the heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes or so. Serve hot with pita bread or your favorite rustic Italian bread.