Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup – Hearty, Healthy, and Packed with Flavor!

Ever had one of those days when you just need a big, warm hug in a bowl? That’s exactly what this Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup feels like. It’s cozy, hearty, and oh-so-good!

I love how this soup is packed with protein, fiber, and all the good stuff. The lentils make it thick, the butter beans add creaminess, and the spinach? It brings in a fresh, earthy touch. Every spoonful is pure comfort.

Plus, it’s super easy to make! No fancy ingredients, just simple, wholesome food that fills you up and makes you feel amazing. And the best part? It tastes even better the next day.

So, let’s grab a pot and get cooking! Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen. Ready? Let’s do this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: Every spoonful is loaded with warm spices, tender lentils, and buttery beans.
• Packed with Nutrients: High in protein, fiber, and iron, thanks to lentils, beans, and spinach.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and easy to make in a single pot.
• Great for Meal Prep: Stays fresh for days and reheats beautifully.
• Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free: A healthy, wholesome soup that fits various diets.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this soup effortlessly, you’ll need:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Ideal for cooking soups and stews evenly.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: To chop onions, garlic, and herbs.
• Fine-Mesh Strainer: For rinsing lentils and draining butter beans.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: To ensure precise ingredient portions.
• Ladle: For serving the soup neatly into bowls.

Key Ingredients for Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious, comforting soup (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

Base Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and enhances flavors.
• Red Onion (Finely Chopped): Brings a mild sweetness to the soup.
• Garlic (Peeled and Crushed): Infuses a warm, aromatic depth.
• Turmeric: A golden spice with anti-inflammatory properties and earthy flavor.
• Dried Red Lentils (Rinsed): The backbone of this soup, lending a creamy texture.
• Vegetable Stock: Provides a flavorful and nutritious base.

Herbs & Seasonings

• Dried Mint: A subtle, refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses an earthy depth of flavor.
• Sprigs of Fresh Thyme: Adds a light, herbal note.
• Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors.

Final Additions

• Frozen Spinach: Packed with vitamins and adds beautiful color.
• Butter Beans (Rinsed & Drained): Bring a creamy, slightly nutty taste.

Variations & Customizations

Want to make this soup your own? Try these fun variations:

• Add Coconut Milk: For extra creaminess and a hint of sweetness.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
• Boost the Protein: Stir in chickpeas or extra butter beans.
• Use Fresh Spinach: If using fresh instead of frozen, add it in the last few minutes of cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make a perfectly flavorful, nourishing soup that’s ready in under an hour.

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Toast the Spices

Sprinkle in the turmeric and dried mint, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to bring out their flavors. This step enhances the depth of the soup and gives it a warm, spiced aroma.

3. Add Lentils and Simmer

• Rinse the dried red lentils under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer.
• Add the rinsed lentils to the pot, followed by the vegetable stock, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs.
• Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the Butter Beans and Spinach

• Stir in the rinsed and drained butter beans.
• If using frozen spinach, add it now and stir until it’s fully incorporated.
• If using fresh spinach, wait until the last 5 minutes of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.

5. Season and Adjust Consistency

• Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
• If you prefer a thicker texture, mash some of the lentils and butter beans with the back of a spoon.
• If the soup is too thick, add a little more vegetable stock or water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Simmer and Serve

Let the soup simmer for another 5–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving.

How to Serve Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but here are some delicious serving ideas:

• With Crusty Bread: A slice of warm sourdough or garlic bread pairs perfectly.
• Topped with Yogurt or Coconut Cream: Adds a creamy contrast to the earthy soup.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro for extra brightness.
• With a Squeeze of Lemon: A splash of citrus enhances the flavors.

Storing & Meal Prep Tips

This soup stores beautifully and even tastes better the next day!

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed.

Variations & Ingredient Swaps

This soup is highly customizable, making it perfect for different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ways to tweak the recipe:

• Make It Creamier: Blend half of the soup using an immersion blender or stir in a splash of coconut milk.
• Add More Protein: Toss in chickpeas, diced tofu, or shredded chicken for an extra protein boost.
• Enhance the Spices: If you love bold flavors, add cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cinnamon.
• Make It Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a chopped chili for some heat.
• Use Fresh Greens: Swap frozen spinach for fresh kale or Swiss chard for a different texture.
• Change the Beans: Try swapping butter beans for cannellini beans or navy beans.

Expert Tips for the Best Soup

• Sauté the onions and garlic well. This step builds the foundation for a rich, flavorful broth.
• Toast the spices before adding liquid. Cooking them briefly releases their full aroma.
• Don’t overcook the lentils. Red lentils break down quickly, so keep an eye on them to maintain the right texture.
• Adjust the consistency. If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable stock or water. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce it.
• Let the soup rest. Flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers taste even better the next day!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fiber	10g
Fat	6g
Iron	15% DV
Vitamin A	35% DV
Vitamin C	20% DV

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands.

Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the onions, garlic, and spices first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.

What can I use instead of butter beans?

You can substitute cannellini beans, great northern beans, or chickpeas.

Can I use green or brown lentils?

You can, but red lentils cook faster and break down for a creamier texture. If using green or brown lentils, increase the cooking time by 10–15 minutes.

How can I make this soup more filling?

Serve it with quinoa, rice, or crusty bread, or stir in sweet potatoes or carrots for extra heartiness.

Conclusion

This Spinach Lentil Butter Bean Soup is the perfect combination of comfort, nutrition, and ease. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s rich in protein, fiber, and flavor, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or a cozy dinner. The lentils add a creamy base, the butter beans provide a hearty bite, and the spinach brings freshness and color.

Best of all, this soup only gets better over time, allowing the flavors to deepen as it sits. Whether you enjoy it with crusty bread, a swirl of yogurt, or a squeeze of lemon, it’s a meal that will leave you feeling warm, satisfied, and nourished.