This is a soothing, protein-rich soup that blends plant-based lentils with the healing properties of bone broth. It’s hearty enough for a main meal, yet light on digestion.

Ingredients (serves 4–5)

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup spinach or silverbeet, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes (400g)
• 4 cups bone broth (chicken or beef)
• 2 cups water
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Olive oil

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened.
2. Add zucchini, lentils, spices, and stir well.
3. Pour in bone broth, water, and tomatoes. Add bay leaf.
4. Simmer for 30–40 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Stir in spinach/silverbeet just before serving. Season to taste.

💡 Gut health tip: Combining plant and animal proteins helps supply a wider range of amino acids to support gut repair and hormone regulation.