Spinach Lentil and Butter Bean Soup: Nourishing, Comforting, and Wholesome

There’s something timeless about a pot of soup gently simmering on the stove, filling the kitchen with warmth and promise. Spinach Lentil and Butter Bean Soup captures that feeling perfectly. It’s hearty without being heavy, nourishing without being bland, and simple enough for weeknights while still feeling deeply satisfying.

This soup brings together earthy lentils, creamy butter beans, and vibrant spinach in a flavorful broth built on classic aromatics. Each ingredient plays a role: lentils provide protein and body, butter beans add softness and richness, and spinach brightens the dish with color and freshness. The result is a balanced, comforting soup that feels both rustic and refined.

Ideal for chilly evenings, meal prep, or anytime you crave something wholesome, this soup proves that plant-based meals can be just as filling and comforting as traditional options.

Why This Soup Works So Well

The beauty of this recipe lies in its structure. Lentils cook down to create a naturally thickened broth, while butter beans hold their shape and add contrast. Spinach wilts gently at the end, preserving its nutrients and vibrant green color.

Using simple vegetables and pantry staples allows the flavors to shine without complication. The soup is flexible, forgiving, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for cooks of all skill levels.

Lentils and Butter Beans: A Perfect Pair

Lentils and butter beans complement each other beautifully. Lentils bring earthiness and protein, while butter beans add creaminess and mild flavor. Together, they create a soup that feels substantial and satisfying, even without meat.

This pairing also makes the soup nutritionally balanced, offering fiber, plant-based protein, and essential minerals in every bowl.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Yellow onion, diced
• Carrots, diced
• Celery, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Dried lentils (green or brown)
• Vegetable broth
• Butter beans, drained and rinsed
• Tomato paste
• Dried thyme
• Bay leaf
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh spinach
• Lemon juice

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
   Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Soup Base
   Add lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer
   Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until lentils are tender.
5. Add Butter Beans
   Stir in butter beans and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Finish with Spinach
   Add fresh spinach and cook just until wilted.
7. Brighten and Serve
   Remove bay leaf, stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

Spinach Lentil and Butter Bean Soup

A hearty, nourishing soup made with lentils, creamy butter beans, and fresh spinach in a flavorful vegetable broth.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired, Vegetarian

Calories: 320

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion diced
• 2 medium carrots diced
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup dried lentils green or brown
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can butter beans drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh

Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in lentils, broth, herbs, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
4. Simmer until lentils are tender.
5. Add butter beans and cook briefly.
6. Stir in spinach until wilted and finish with lemon juice.

Notes

Soup thickens as it cools; add broth when reheating if needed.

Tips for the Best Lentil Soup

• Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove debris
• Don’t overcook spinach—add it last
• Use good-quality vegetable broth for depth
• Finish with lemon for brightness

Variations & Add-Ins

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chili oil
• Herby: Stir in fresh parsley or dill
• Creamy: Blend a small portion of the soup
• Extra Veggies: Add zucchini or potatoes

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with:

• Crusty bread or sourdough
• Toasted pita or naan
• Simple green salad
• Olive oil drizzle and cracked pepper

A Soup for Every Season

While especially comforting in colder months, Spinach Lentil and Butter Bean Soup is light enough to enjoy year-round. It stores well, reheats beautifully, and tastes even better the next day—making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers.