3cupsspinachwashed with large stems removed, about 120g
To serve:
fresh coriander
lemon juice
Instructions
Peel and dice the onions, thinly slice the shiitake mushrooms, removing stalks, then cut celery, carrot, capsicum/bell pepper and potatoes into small cubes.
Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a stock pot (at least 6 litre/quart capacity), then add onions, prepared vegetables and sliced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently for a couple of minutes or more to soften.
Add vegetable stock to the pot to loosen, then add all spices, stir well.
Rinse and drain lentils and add to the pot along with tomato paste, stir well.
Cover the stock pot with a lid, slightly ajar. Bring to a boil (approx. 5 mins), then reduce to a simmer, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent burning.
Remove the lid and add washed spinach, cook a further minute or so to wilt.
If the consistency of the soup looks to your liking – squeeze over the juice of one lemon and add a sprinkle of freshly chopped coriander. If the soup is looking a little on the thicker side, add a further half cup or more of water and let simmer a further minute or two to thin it down. Enjoy!
Notes
Shiitake mushrooms are optional but add immune-modulating polysaccharides, if you can’t source any, just leave them out
I recommend using a low-sodium liquid vegetable stock/broth
Fresh spinach can be substituted for other leafy greens – collard greens, kale, beet leaves
You can skip the red lentils and use 2 cups of brown lentils if you prefer, but I would avoid using entirely red lentils – they’re far mushier in texture and will give you a totally different end result
If the soup is too thick, thin it out by adding more water or stock towards the end of cooking. Stir frequently to avoid burning
Store in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 3-4 days
Freezes well, when re-heating, add a little more water/stock then heat in a saucepan on the stove
Nutrition panel is an estimate only, and is for 1 very generous bowl as a stand-alone meal. Recipe yields 6 large bowls or 8 smaller bowls.