Rainy Day Collards and Lentil Soup
Cozy up on gray, drizzly days with this hearty and nutritious Rainy Day Collards and Lentil Soup, a warming blend of simple pantry staples and fresh greens. Packed with protein-rich lentils, tender collard greens, and aromatic vegetables, this vegan soup is flavored with smoky paprika, earthy cumin, and a hint of thyme for a bold, comforting taste. Fire-roasted tomatoes and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice lend brightness to every spoonful, while crushed red pepper flakes add an optional touch of heat. Ready in just an hour, this satisfying one-pot recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Pair it with crusty bread or enjoy it solo for a wholesome and filling meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 14.5-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juices
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 large bunch collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Stir in the chopped collard greens, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the collard greens are wilted and tender.
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in the lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
236 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.3 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1063 mg | 46% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.7 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.8 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 10.8 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 178 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 1025 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
