Vibrant Tomato Lentil Soup

This vibrant, nourishing Tomato Lentil Soup features a tangy tomato broth and hearty, protein-rich lentils, making it the perfect wholesome meal for any time of year. With a simple Mediterranean-inspired base and aromatic spices, it is a comforting dish that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

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Building flavor is key to this soup's success. By sautéing a classic mirepoix of onion, carrots, and celery, and then toasting spices like smoked paprika and cumin, you create a deep, aromatic profile that beautifully complements the earthy lentils and bright acidity of the tomatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (400 g / 14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup (200 g) dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 5 cups (1.2 liters) vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3

Add tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, and black pepper. Stir for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 4

Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and salt. Stir well and bring to a boil.

Step 5

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

Step 6

Remove the bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a smoother texture, blend part or all of the soup with an immersion blender before serving. This allows you to control the thickness and creaminess while maintaining some of the hearty texture of the lentils and vegetables.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you prefer a softer consistency or need to save time, you can substitute red lentils. These cook much faster than brown or green lentils, so you should reduce the simmer time by approximately 10 minutes to avoid overcooking them.

Serviervorschläge

This Tomato Lentil Soup is excellent when served with a side of crusty bread for dipping. For an extra touch of richness, try adding a dollop of non-dairy yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before eating.

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Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this Tomato Lentil Soup is a nutritious choice that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Simple to make and full of protein, it is a reliable staple for any home cook.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use red lentils instead of brown or green?

Yes, red lentils work beautifully and cook faster. Reduce the simmering time by about 10 minutes, as red lentils become tender more quickly and will create a slightly creamier texture.

→ How can I make this soup creamier?

Use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup before serving. This creates a velvety texture while maintaining heartiness. You can also add a dollop of non-dairy yogurt when serving.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in airtight containers.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, warm pita, or garlic toast complement this soup perfectly. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

→ Do I need to soak the lentils first?

No soaking required. Brown and green lentils cook directly in the broth without pre-soaking, making this a convenient one-pot meal. Simply rinse them before adding to remove any debris.

→ How can I adjust the consistency?

For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to reduce the liquid. For a thinner consistency, add more vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired texture.