Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup

#### Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Vegetables:**
– Start by preparing all your vegetables. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and roughly chop the spinach (if you’re using fresh spinach). Drain and rinse the butter beans if you’re using canned beans.

**2. Sauté the Vegetables:**
– In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.

**3. Add the Garlic and Spices:**
– Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and thyme. Let the spices cook with the vegetables for about 1 minute to release their aromatic flavors. The combination of cumin and coriander will give the soup a warm, earthy depth.

**4. Cook the Lentils:**
– Add the dried lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. If needed, add more broth or water to ensure the soup stays at a desired consistency.

**5. Add the Beans and Spinach:**
– Once the lentils are cooked through, add the butter beans to the pot. Stir in the spinach, allowing it to wilt down into the soup. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the spinach is tender and fully incorporated into the soup.

**6. Season and Serve:**
– Remove the soup from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and the optional lemon juice for added brightness. The lemon juice balances the richness of the soup and adds a fresh note that elevates the overall flavor.

**7. Enjoy!**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

#### Why This Soup is So Special:

1. **Nutrient-Packed:**
Spinach, lentils, and butter beans are all powerhouse ingredients, rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. Spinach provides a healthy dose of iron and vitamin K, lentils are packed with plant-based protein and fiber, and butter beans add heart-healthy fats and potassium. This soup is a complete, balanced meal in one bowl.

2. **Comforting and Filling:**
The combination of lentils and butter beans gives the soup a satisfying, hearty texture that will keep you full for hours. The earthy, savory flavor of the broth, combined with the soft beans and tender lentils, creates the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for those colder days when you need something warm and satisfying.

3. **Easy to Make:**
This soup comes together with minimal effort and basic ingredients. You don’t need any special cooking skills, and it’s an excellent option for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a quick, healthy dinner option. Plus, it can be made in advance and reheated, making it an ideal meal prep option for the week ahead.

4. **Customizable:**
One of the best things about this soup is how easily you can adjust it to your tastes. You can add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes to make it even more filling. For extra spice, try adding a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika. You can also make this soup vegan by ensuring you use vegetable broth and avoiding any animal-based ingredients.

5. **Great for Leftovers:**
Like most soups, this recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy it anytime you need a quick, healthy meal.

#### Tips for the Best Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup:

– **Use Fresh Broth:** While store-bought broth works perfectly well, using homemade vegetable or chicken broth can really elevate the flavor of this soup.

– **Be Mindful of Lentil Type:** Green or brown lentils hold their shape better than red lentils, which break down into a mushier texture. Choose accordingly for the desired consistency.

– **Add Protein:** While this soup is already rich in plant-based protein, you can boost it further by adding cooked chicken or sausage if you prefer a meatier version.

– **Make it Creamy:** For a creamier texture, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender before adding the spinach and butter beans.

#### Conclusion:

Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup is the perfect dish to enjoy when you want something that’s both wholesome and comforting. With its mix of vegetables, beans, and lentils, this soup delivers a satisfying and nutrient-packed meal that will leave you feeling full and nourished. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, a meal prep option, or simply a way to enjoy healthy, hearty ingredients, this soup is the answer. It’s easy to make, customizable, and a great choice for anyone seeking a flavorful and balanced dish.

Enjoy this warm, hearty bowl of goodness today, and feel good about nourishing your body with every spoonful!