Lentil–Sweet Potato Soup with Spinach and Sage

No ratings yet
A Hearty, Plant-Based Greek Soup for Cooler Days This lentil and sweet potato soup is a deeply satisfying, plant-forward dish that reflects the heart of Greek home cooking and sustainable Mediterranean cuisine. Earthy lentils, naturally sweet potatoes, and tender spinach simmer together with sage, tomatoes, and Greek olive oil, then finish with a subtle drizzle of petimezi and balsamic vinegar for balance and depth. Nutritious, economical, and ideal for batch cooking, this soup is rich in fiber and plant protein and fits beautifully into a Mediterranean diet, vegetarian, and vegan lifestyle.
No ratings yet

Lentil–Sweet Potato Soup with Spinach and Sage

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Build the Base: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Add the leeks, cover, and cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly, just until aromatic.
  • Add the Lentils & Vegetables: Stir in the lentils to coat them in the oil. Add the tomatoes, dried sage, bay leaf, and sweet potato. Pour in enough water or vegetable broth to cover the lentils by about 1½ inches.
  • Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more liquid as needed. The soup should be thick but still brothy.
  • Finish with Spinach: Remove and discard the bay leaf and sage. Add the spinach in batches, stirring until just wilted.
  • Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and petimezi to taste (about 1 tablespoon each). Drizzle in the remaining olive oil, adjusting to taste, and serve hot.

❤️ Enjoyed this Recipe?

Share this recipe on Facebook or Instagram!

Mention @dianekohcilas & tag #dianekochilas!

Sustainability Notes

  • Lentils are a climate-friendly protein, requiring far less water than animal sources
  • Sweet potatoes and spinach are nutrient-dense, affordable, and widely available year-round
  • This soup stores well for up to 4 days, reducing food waste and supporting meal prep

Variations & Tips

  • Add carrots or celery for extra sweetness and depth
  • Substitute kale or chard for spinach
  • For a smokier note, add a pinch of sweet smoked paprika
  • Serve with crusty whole-grain bread or barley rusks

 

If You Like This Recipe, You’ll Also Love…

These are live, tested internal links from My Greek Table on dianekochilas.com:
Sweet and Sour Lentils Baked with Honey, Vinegar and Leeks
Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes) – the classic Greek version of this nourishing staple

Diane’s Greek Single-origin Artisanal Foods

Visit my online shop for a wide selection of Greek single-origin artisanal foods, from honeys to wild herbs, olives, olive oils, pistachios, heirloom grain products, fruit preserves and more.

Get Diane’s Latest Recipes and Longevity Secrets Delivered To Your Inbox.

Travel Cook Eat & Live with Diane

Diane Kochilas is one of the world’s foremost experts on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. She is the host, creator and co-producer of My Greek Table, the award-winning 13-episode per season cooking-travel show about Greece that airs nationally on Public Television. The series is in its third season.

Latest Recipes

More

Lemon Potato Smashers

Lemon Potato Smashers

Seafood Stew

Seafood Stew

Lentil Sweet Potato Soup

Lentil–Sweet Potato Soup with Spinach and Sage

Broccoli cauliflower salad

Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad with Feta and Lemon-Dill Dressing

Get Diane’s Latest Recipes and Longevity Secrets Delivered To Your Inbox.

Longevity Recipes

More

Featured In

My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo

D|K