Some days call for a slow-simmered soup that bubbles on the stove all afternoon. This is not one of those days. This is the soup for when your fridge is sad, your energy is lower than your phone battery, and you just want something hot, healthy, and hug-in-a-bowl easy.
💚 Why You’ll Love It
- Just 5 ingredients — most probably lurking in your pantry already
- Warming, filling, and full of fibre
- Ready in under 10 minutes
- Easy to bulk up or customise depending on your mood
- No chopping, blending, or complicated steps — just stir and simmer
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 1)
- ½ cup canned lentils, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup canned chopped tomatoes
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- 1 cup water or veggie stock
- A handful of spinach or kale (fresh or frozen)
🔥 How to Make It
On the Stove:
- Chuck everything into a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer and let it bubble away for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and the greens have wilted.
In the Microwave:
- Mix everything in a microwave-safe bowl or mug.
- Microwave on high for 3–4 minutes, stirring halfway.
And that’s it. Honestly.
🧠 Nutrition Snapshot
- Plant-based protein from the lentils
- Lycopene & vitamin C from the tomatoes
- Iron & fibre from the greens
- Around 200–250 kcal per serve (depending on stock and additions)
This is the kind of soup that feels comforting but won’t weigh you down. Great for a light lunch or a reset dinner after a long day.
💡 Healthy Hacks & Serving Ideas
- Add toast: Pair it with a slice of wholegrain or sourdough for dipping. Top with avocado or a soft-boiled egg for extra points.
- Top with pesto: A spoonful of pesto (store-bought or homemade) adds richness and depth. Harissa or chilli oil also work a treat.
- Extra veg? Got half a zucchini or some leftover peas hanging about? Chuck ’em in — it’s that kind of soup.
🔁 Swap Suggestions
- No lentils? Try canned chickpeas or white beans for a different texture.
- No cumin? Smoked paprika, curry powder, or Italian herbs all play well here.
- No fresh greens? Frozen spinach is a lifesaver. Just break off a chunk and toss it in.
🥡 Storage Tips
- Make a double batch if you’re feeling proactive — this keeps well in the fridge for 3 days.
- Reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water.
- Freezer-friendly too! Just let it cool completely before freezing in a small container.
🥄 One-Bowl Wonder
This soup is basically the single person’s answer to “ugh, I need dinner but can’t even.” It ticks the comfort box, the nutrition box, and the “minimal washing up” box. Add it to your weeknight rotation, stat.
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