🍲 Enerji & Demir · Anne
Spinach & Red Lentil Soup – Iron-Rich One-Pot Wonder
A hearty one-pot soup packed with iron, protein, and fibre — ready in 25 minutes and perfect for postpartum and breastfeeding mums. Make ahead and store for easy, nourishing meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 handfuls fresh spinach (or frozen)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 whole tomato (or 1 tablespoon tomato paste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- a pinch salt, cumin, turmeric
- 5 cups water or low-sodium chicken/vegetable stock
Directions
- 1
1) Finely dice the onion. Heat the olive oil in a pot and sauté the onion for about 3 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- 2
2) Add the garlic and tomato (or tomato paste) and cook for a further 1 minute.
- 3
3) Add the rinsed red lentils to the pot, sprinkle in the cumin and turmeric, and stir to combine.
- 4
4) Pour in the water or stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the lentils are tender.
- 5
5) Add the spinach and cook for a further 3 minutes.
- 6
6) Blend until smooth using a hand blender, or leave it chunky if you prefer more texture.
- 7
7) Season with salt and stir in the lemon juice. Ladle into bowls and finish with a drizzle of olive oil if you like.
🌱 Why is it nourishing?
Iron & energy: Red lentils and spinach make a powerful duo to help combat postpartum anaemia, while lemon juice provides vitamin C to boost iron absorption. Protein & tissue repair: The plant-based protein in lentils helps support the healing of tears and stitches. Fibre & digestion: Rich in fibre, this soup helps prevent constipation and supports healthy digestion after birth. Hydration support: Eating soup contributes to your daily fluid intake — staying hydrated is especially important when breastfeeding. Completely suitable for the breastfeeding period; can be enjoyed as a main meal at lunch or dinner. This is not medical advice; please consult your doctor or dietitian for personalised guidance.
Foods in this recipe
⚕️ This recipe is for general informational purposes. The right time to introduce new foods and the risk of allergies vary from baby to baby — consult your pediatrician.
