Easy Hearty Lentil Spinach Soup for Busy Weeknights

There’s something deeply grounding about a pot of lentil soup quietly bubbling away, filling the kitchen with warmth and spice. This is the kind of meal that feels like a pause button on a busy day. I often make this soup when the weather cools and evenings stretch a little longer, when comfort matters more than speed but ease still matters. Lentils have always felt like a humble miracle ingredient to me — nourishing, affordable, and endlessly forgiving.

What I love most about this soup is how it brings together simple pantry staples and turns them into something soulful. The ginger and garlic hit the pot first, releasing that familiar aroma that signals something good is coming. The lentils soften into a creamy, hearty base while the coconut milk adds a gentle richness that makes every spoonful feel indulgent without being heavy. Fresh spinach at the end keeps everything bright and balanced.

This is the kind of recipe you make once and then keep coming back to, tweaking it slightly depending on what you have on hand. It’s perfect for quiet dinners, meal prep Sundays, or sharing with someone who needs a little extra comfort in a bowl.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hearty Lentil Spinach Soup :

Step 1 :

Set the Instant Pot to sauté and add the chopped onion, grated garlic, and ginger. Cook until translucent, stirring with a Cuisinart Silicone Spatula, but any spoon from your drawer works just fine.

Step 2 :

Rinse the red and French lentils thoroughly. Add them to the pot along with the hand-squeezed tomatoes and stir using a OXO Good Grips 3 Quart Mixing Bowl beforehand if needed — no fancy prep required.

Step 3 :

Add all the spices, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so everything is evenly coated and fragrant.

Step 4 :

Pour in the water or vegetable broth, seal the lid, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. I rely on my Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1, but any pressure cooker works.

Step 5 :

Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release. Stir in coconut milk, lemon juice, and spinach until wilted. Adjust thickness with water if needed and serve hot.

Who This Hearty Lentil Spinach Soup Is Perfect For

Kid-Friendly :

Soft, creamy lentils with tender spinach make this soup easy to eat
Mildly spiced and easily adjustable by reducing cayenne
Comforting, cozy flavors kids often enjoy
No harsh textures or overpowering spices

Fitness-Focused Benefits :

High plant-based protein from red and green lentils supports muscle recovery
High fiber keeps you full and supports digestion
Healthy fats from coconut milk aid satiety
Naturally nutrient-dense with iron, magnesium, and folate for energy

Busy-Life Adults Advantages :

One-pot Instant Pot recipe means minimal cleanup
Simple prep with mostly hands-off cooking
Excellent for meal prep and reheats well for 3–4 days
Perfect for quick lunches, easy dinners, or freezer-friendly meals

Follow on Instagram and also share on Pinterest

Easy Hearty Lentil Spinach Soup for Busy Weeknights

This hearty lentil spinach soup is rich, comforting, and packed with plant-based protein. Made with red and green lentils, warming spices, coconut milk, and fresh spinach, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying.

Comfort Food

Author: wholesome whisk editor Cooking Method: Simmering Cuisine: Indian, International Courses: Dinner Recipe Keys: Dairy Free Mixing Quick Meals Vegan V vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 50 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4 Calories: 380 Best Season: Cozy Autumn Dietary:

B balanced meal D Dairy-Free G Gluten-Free H High Fiber H high protein V Vegan

Hearty Lentil Spinach Soup Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 medium Onion (Chopped)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Grated)
• 1 knob Ginger (Grated)
• 1.5 cups Red lentils (Rinsed)
• 1 cup French lentils (Or green lentils)
• 1 can Diced tomatoes (Squeezed by hand)
• 1 can Coconut milk (Unsweetened, full-fat)
• 6 cups Water or vegetable broth (Add more if needed)
• 2 cups Spinach (Fresh)
• 0.5 lemon Lemon juice (Freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp Garam masala
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Turmeric
• 1 dash Cinnamon
• 1 dash Cayenne pepper
• to taste Black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Salt

Instructions

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until translucent.
2. Rinse lentils and add to the pot with tomatoes.
3. Add spices, salt, and pepper, then stir well.
4. Pour in water or broth and pressure cook for 10 minutes.
5. Release pressure, stir in coconut milk and lemon juice.
6. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
7. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 380kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Sodium 420mg18%

Potassium 980mg29%

Total Carbohydrate 48g16%

Dietary Fiber 17g68%

Sugars 7g

Protein 18g36%

---

Vitamin A 620 mcg

Vitamin C 18 mg

Calcium 120 mg

Iron 6.5 mg

Vitamin E 3.2 mg

Vitamin K 120 mcg

Thiamin 0.5 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 2.8 mg

Vitamin B6 0.6 mg

Folate 290 mcg

Biotin 12 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1.8 mg

Phosphorus 310 mg

Iodine 18 mcg

Magnesium 95 mg

Zinc 3.2 mg

Selenium 9 mcg

Copper 0.7 mg

Manganese 1.9 mg

Chromium 6 mcg

Molybdenum 45 mcg

Chloride 480 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Substitutions
Use kale instead of spinach or light coconut milk for a lighter version.

Serving ideas
Serve with crusty bread, naan, or steamed rice.

Mistakes to avoid
Do not skip rinsing the lentils or the soup may become gummy.

Chef tips
Squeezing the tomatoes by hand creates a richer texture than diced pieces.

Keywords: hearty lentil soup, lentil spinach soup, vegan lentil soup, coconut lentil soup, instant pot lentil soup