With the first snow and a big drop in temperatures here in Bavaria hearty and warming soups are becoming a staple in my kitchen. This delicious and healthy naturally protein packed Italian-style lentil soup is ticking all the boxes so trust me when I say you need to add it to your meal plan right away!

This minestrone-like soup is super easy to make, here's what you'll need:

Now add the lentils and mix everything together well before stirring in the tomatoes as well as the vegetable broth. Pop in your bay leaves and other dried herbs, then bring the whole thing to a boil and let simmer for about 30 minutes.

Towards the end of the cooking time, add in the baby spinach. It will wilt considerably very quickly so don't add it too early on.

Remove the bay leaves, season to taste with salt and pepper as well as some chili flakes for some heat.

Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and some crusty bread.

And there you go. All that's left to do is: dig in! Best make a big pot of this as it keeps well in the fridge for up to five days (perfect quick work day lunch the next day!) and it also freezes well!  Buon appetito!