Why this fits a family on a budget
Dried red lentils are one of the most affordable protein sources available, keeping this filling four-serving meal under $2.00 total for the main ingredients. The soup is a single-pot recipe with simple stir-and-simmer steps that any beginner can handle in under 40 minutes.
• 1.5 cup red lentils
• 14.5 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 3 cup fresh baby spinach
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic cloves
• 4 cup vegetable broth
• 1 whole lemon
• 0.5 tsp ground turmeric
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1.5 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 pieces pita bread
1. Rinse the red lentils in a fine mesh strainer under cold water for about 30 seconds until the water runs mostly clear. Set aside. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden at the edges.
3. Add the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and slightly darker in color — this step is key for deep flavor.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the spiced onion base. Let this cook for 2 minutes on medium heat, stirring a couple of times.
5. Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 18–20 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until lentils are completely soft and have broken down into a thick, creamy consistency — they should have no visible firmness.
6. While the soup finishes cooking, place pita bread directly on the oven rack at 350°F for 5 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.
7. Stir baby spinach into the soup in two batches. It will wilt within 1–2 minutes. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the pot, stir, then taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
8. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately alongside warm pita bread. The soup should be thick — add a splash of water or broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Contains: gluten. Always double-check labels for your household's allergies.
Cost is a national-average estimate and varies by store and region.
This recipe was generated by Plento Pasto's AI from a library of family-friendly dishes and reviewed for a real photo before publishing. Cooking times, costs, and nutrition are estimates — use your judgment in the kitchen.