There’s something magical about a warm bowl of lentil & tomato soup. Picture this: a steaming pot bubbling away on the stovetop, sending wafts of savory aromas through your home. Each spoonful brings together the earthiness of lentils, the tartness of tomatoes, and a symphony of spices that dance on your taste buds. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when all you want is comfort food.
I still remember the first time I made lentil & tomato soup. It was one of those weeks when my fridge looked more like a barren wasteland than a culinary treasure chest. Armed with just some dried lentils, canned tomatoes, and whatever vegetables I could scrounge up, I created a dish that not only saved dinner but also earned me the title of “Soup Wizard” in my family. If you’re looking for something that warms you up from the inside out and makes you feel like a kitchen superstar, this recipe is your golden ticket.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This lentil & tomato soup is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- The robust flavor profile will impress even the pickiest eaters at your table
- Its vibrant colors make it as visually appealing as it is delicious
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for lunch or dinner and can be customized with various toppings
I once made this soup for a family gathering, and everyone went back for seconds—my aunt even asked for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Green or Brown Lentils: These varieties hold their shape well during cooking and add a hearty texture to your soup.
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Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality tomatoes; they add richness and depth to the flavor.
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Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
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Carrots: Fresh carrots provide natural sweetness and crunch; chop them into bite-sized pieces.
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Celery: Celery contributes an earthy note; it’s best diced small to blend seamlessly into the soup.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances flavor significantly; don’t skimp on this fragrant ingredient.
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Vegetable Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels while keeping flavors bold.
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Olive Oil: For sautéing vegetables; it adds richness without overpowering other flavors.
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Spices (Cumin & Thyme): Cumin adds warmth, while thyme introduces an herby note; use both for balance.
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Lemon Juice (optional): A dash of lemon juice brightens flavors at serving time; it’s a game-changer!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing the Vegetables: Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Toss in diced carrots and celery, stirring occasionally until they soften slightly.
Add Garlic and Spices: Once your veggies are tender, add minced garlic along with cumin and thyme. Sauté for another minute until garlic becomes aromatic but not browned – burnt garlic is not our friend!
Add Lentils and Tomatoes: Next, stir in rinsed lentils along with canned diced tomatoes (juice included). Mix everything well so that spices coat every ingredient evenly.
Pour in Vegetable Broth: Carefully add vegetable broth to the pot, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low.
Simmer Until Tender: Cover the pot partially with a lid and let simmer gently for about 30-35 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish with Lemon Juice (Optional): When ready to serve, taste your soup! Adjust seasoning if needed and add lemon juice if desired; it gives that final zing that lifts everything beautifully.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of homemade lentil & tomato soup!
You Must Know
- Lentil & Tomato Soup is a delicious, healthy dish that warms your soul
- Packed with nutrients, it’s an ideal comfort food for any day
- The vibrant colors and aromas will make your kitchen feel cozy and inviting, perfect for sharing with loved ones
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic to enhance flavors. Then, add lentils and tomatoes before simmering until tender. This sequence ensures every ingredient shines.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding spices like cumin or paprika for a flavor boost. You can also toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your Lentil & Tomato Soup, use homemade vegetable broth instead of water for richer flavor
- Soak lentils overnight to speed up cooking time
- A splash of lemon juice just before serving brightens everything up beautifully
Lentil & Tomato Soup brings back memories of rainy afternoons spent cooking with my grandma, who always said a good soup comes from the heart—and maybe a little extra garlic.
FAQ
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes work well; they save time and still add rich flavor.
What type of lentils should I use?
Brown or green lentils are ideal as they hold their shape during cooking.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly!
Lentil & Tomato Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Lentil & Tomato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. This hearty soup combines earthy lentils, rich tomatoes, and aromatic spices to create a bowl of warmth that feels like a cozy hug. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a dish you’ll want to make time and again. Whether you’re feeding the family or looking for a nutritious lunch option, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and delightful taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add diced carrots and celery; cook until slightly softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, cumin, and thyme; sauté for another minute.
- Incorporate lentils and canned tomatoes (with juice), mixing well.
- Pour in vegetable broth; bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low.
- Cover partially and let simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; add lemon juice before serving if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
