Mediterranean Lentil & Spinach Soup with Poached Egg

Mediterranean Lentil & Spinach Soup with Poached Egg

Mia

This Mediterranean Lentil & Spinach Soup with Poached Egg is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly nourishing. Earthy brown lentils simmer in a fragrant broth infused with cumin, garlic, and a hint of lemon, creating layers of warm, aromatic flavor that transport you straight to the sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean. Fresh spinach wilts into the soup at the last moment, adding vibrant color and a boost of iron and vitamins.

What elevates this humble soup to dinner-worthy status is the crowning glory: a perfectly poached egg with a silky, runny yolk that transforms into a luxurious sauce when broken. As the golden yolk mingles with the broth, it adds richness and creaminess without any heavy cream or butter. This protein-packed combination of lentils and egg makes it an ideal post-workout meal or a satisfying dinner that will keep you energized.

Rooted in Mediterranean Diet principles, this soup showcases the region's love for legumes, leafy greens, and quality olive oil. It's the kind of one-bowl meal that feels both comforting and virtuous—warming your soul while fueling your body with over 20 grams of protein per serving. The best part? It comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something healthy, hearty, and absolutely delicious.

This soup also makes excellent leftovers (simply poach fresh eggs when reheating), and the base can be customized with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Serve with crusty whole-grain bread for dipping, and you have a complete Mediterranean meal that proves healthy eating never has to be boring.

Nutrition

50 minutes
None servings
385 calories
Fat 12.00g
Carbs 45.00g
Protein 23.00g

Ingredients

1 cupbrown or green lentils, rinsed and picked over
2 tbspextra virgin olive oil
1 mediumyellow onion, diced
2 mediumcarrots, diced
2 Nonecelery stalks, diced
4 Nonegarlic cloves, minced
1.5 tspground cumin
1 tspground coriander
0.5 tspsmoked paprika
6 cupsvegetable or chicken broth, low-sodium
1 can (14.5 oz)diced tomatoes, with juices
1 Nonebay leaf
4 cupsfresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 Nonelemon, juiced
1 tspsalt, or to taste
0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
4 largeeggs
1 tbspwhite vinegar, for poaching water
2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped (optional)
0.25 tspred pepper flakes (optional)

Equipment

Slotted spoon
Cutting board
wooden spoon or spatula
paper towels
ladle
medium saucepan
chef's knife
fine-mesh strainer
measuring cups and spoons
citrus juicer
large soup pot or Dutch oven
small bowls or ramekins

16:8 Diet

This nutrient-dense soup is perfect for 16:8 intermittent fasting eating windows, providing over 20 grams of protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber to sustain energy throughout the day. The balanced macronutrients help practitioners feel satisfied during their 8-hour eating period.

80/20 Diet

This recipe is predominantly composed of nutrient-dense whole foods (lentils, vegetables, spinach, eggs, olive oil, spices) that easily comprise 80% or more of the ingredients, with minimal processing. It emphasizes anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich ingredients while remaining satisfying and flavorful.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This soup is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients including turmeric-family spices (cumin, coriander), leafy greens, olive oil, garlic, and lemon. The legumes provide fiber and plant protein while avoiding refined sugars, processed foods, and unhealthy fats.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients including dried lentils, fresh vegetables, eggs, and simple spices. Every ingredient is recognizable in its natural form without artificial additives, preservatives, or refined sugars.

DASH Diet

This soup aligns with DASH Diet principles by using low-sodium broth, emphasizing vegetables and legumes rich in potassium and magnesium, and relying on herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt. The lentils provide plant-based protein and fiber, while the recipe avoids processed meats and excessive sodium.

Diabetic Diet

This soup is diabetic-friendly with low-glycemic lentils providing complex carbohydrates and fiber that help stabilize blood sugar levels, combined with protein from eggs and no added sugars. The balanced macronutrients and whole food ingredients support healthy glucose management.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe exemplifies flexitarian eating with plant-based ingredients (lentils, vegetables, spinach) forming the foundation, while eggs serve as an optional protein enhancement. The emphasis on legumes, whole foods, and vegetables aligns perfectly with primarily plant-based eating patterns.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, using only whole lentils, fresh vegetables, eggs, and spices without any wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing ingredients. It's a safe and nutritious option for those avoiding gluten while providing complete protein and fiber.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe supports heart health with fiber-rich lentils, omega-3 containing eggs, extra virgin olive oil, and abundant vegetables while avoiding saturated fats, processed meats, and excessive sodium. The low-sodium broth and emphasis on whole foods make it cardiovascular-protective.

High-Fiber Diet

This recipe is excellent for high-fiber diets, with lentils providing substantial dietary fiber (approximately 7-8g per serving) along with additional fiber from vegetables and spinach. The fiber-rich legumes and vegetables support digestive health while keeping you satisfied.

High-Protein Diet

This soup delivers over 20 grams of protein per serving from the combination of protein-rich lentils and eggs, making it ideal for high-protein diets. The legume-egg pairing provides complete amino acids while keeping the recipe wholesome and satisfying.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense soup is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing over 20 grams of protein per serving from lentils and eggs to promote satiety throughout fasting periods. The combination of complex carbohydrates, lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables supports stable blood sugar levels and sustained energy.

Intuitive Eating

This nourishing soup honors both satisfaction and gentle nutrition with comforting flavors, varied textures, and wholesome ingredients that provide pleasure and nourishment without restriction. The recipe emphasizes balance and adequacy rather than deprivation.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This soup follows Mayo Clinic Diet principles with abundant vegetables, whole food legumes (lentils), lean protein from eggs, and healthy fats from olive oil in moderation. It avoids refined grains, added sugars, and processed foods while providing nutrient-dense, satisfying portions.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe is a quintessential Mediterranean Diet dish, featuring extra virgin olive oil, legumes (lentils), abundant vegetables, and herbs for flavoring. It emphasizes whole grains through the lentils, uses eggs in moderation, and relies on garlic, lemon, and spices rather than excessive salt—perfectly aligned with Mediterranean principles.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health with leafy greens (spinach), beans (lentils), vegetables, and olive oil as the primary fat—all key MIND Diet foods. It avoids butter, cheese, and fried foods while emphasizing nutrient-dense, cognitive-protective ingredients.

Mindful Eating

This soup engages multiple senses with vibrant colors from spinach and tomatoes, aromatic spices, varied textures from tender lentils and silky egg yolk, and fresh flavors from lemon and herbs. The whole, minimally processed ingredients encourage slow, conscious eating and sensory appreciation.

Plant-Based Diet

By omitting the eggs and using vegetable broth, this soup becomes a perfect plant-based meal featuring protein-rich lentils, leafy greens, whole vegetables, and healthy olive oil—all minimally processed plant foods. The lentils provide substantial plant protein while the vegetables offer fiber and essential nutrients.

Vegan Diet

This recipe can easily be made vegan by omitting the eggs and using vegetable broth, creating a completely plant-based meal with protein from lentils, iron-rich spinach, and healthy fats from olive oil. The legumes and vegetables provide complete nutrition without any animal products.

Vegetarian Diet

This soup is naturally vegetarian-friendly, featuring protein-rich lentils and eggs as the main protein sources alongside abundant vegetables. It provides complete nutrition with plant-based legumes, dairy-free ingredients, and eggs for added protein.

Weight Watchers

This recipe follows Weight Watchers principles with lean protein from eggs and lentils, abundant non-starchy vegetables, minimal added fats, and whole food ingredients. The nutrient-dense combination keeps you satisfied while supporting weight management goals.

Instructions

1

Rinse the lentils in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water, picking out any debris or stones. Set aside to drain.

2 min
2

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.

2 min
3
7 min

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 6-8 minutes.

4
1 min

Add the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir constantly and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

5

Add the rinsed lentils, broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.

1 min
6
28 min

Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.

7

While the soup simmers, prepare your poaching setup. Fill a separate medium saucepan with about 3 inches of water and add the vinegar. Heat over medium heat until small bubbles form on the bottom but water is not yet boiling.

5 min
8
3 min

Once lentils are tender, remove the bay leaf. Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt into the soup for 2-3 minutes.

9

Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the soup. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Keep soup warm over low heat.

1 min
10

Crack each egg into a small bowl or ramekin. Create a gentle whirlpool in the poaching water by stirring with a spoon, then carefully slide one egg into the center of the whirlpool.

1 min
11
12 min

Poach the egg for 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk, or until whites are set but yolk is still soft. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining eggs.

12

Ladle the hot soup into four bowls, distributing the lentils and vegetables evenly.

1 min
13

Carefully place one poached egg on top of each bowl of soup. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions