The Absolute Best Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 2 medium carrots
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 cups dried red lentils (about 1 pound)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 5 cups baby spinach (about 5 ounces)
  

  Instructions

  1. Peel and dice 2 medium carrots and 1 medium yellow onion. Mince 4 cloves garlic.
  2. Place 2 cups dried red lentils (about 1 pound) in a fine-mesh strainer. Pick through the lentils, discarding any broken or discolored ones. Rinse under cool water until the water runs clear, about 1 minute. Set aside to drain while you cook the vegetables.
  3. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the carrots and onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Add the lentils, 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, and 6 cups broth, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally until the lentils are tender, 18 to 22 minutes.
  5. Remove from the heat and stir in 5 cups spinach until wilted. Serve immediately.