Cozy Lentil & Tomato Soup Recipe for Ultimate Comfort

Lentil & Tomato Soup is like that cozy sweater you wear on a chilly day—comforting, warm, and oh-so-satisfying. Picture this: a steaming bowl of vibrant red soup, filled with plump lentils and fragrant herbs that dance together in harmony, creating a symphony of flavors that sing to your soul. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a bustling weekday dinner, this dish is the perfect companion, promising nourishment and warmth in every spoonful.

Now, let’s talk about memories associated with this delightful concoction. I remember the first time I made Lentil & Tomato Soup for my family; it was a rainy Sunday afternoon. As the aroma wafted through our home, my kids came running from their rooms as if they were following a scent trail leading straight to dinner. The joy on their faces when they tasted it was priceless, and we ended up having a mini soup party right there in our kitchen.

I can still hear my daughter’s giggles when she pretended to be a soup critic, dramatically swirling her spoon and making thoughtful “hmmm” sounds after each bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Green or Brown Lentils: Use these lentils for their nutty flavor and firm texture; they hold up well during cooking.

• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes for that deep flavor without any fuss.

• Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; chop them finely for even cooking.

• Onion: A medium onion provides a savory base; sautée until translucent for maximum flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will elevate the aroma; mince them right before use for optimal freshness.

• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while enhancing the soup’s overall flavor.

• Olive Oil: A splash of good quality olive oil adds richness; use extra virgin for best results.

• Bay Leaves: These aromatic leaves impart depth; remember to remove them before serving!

• Spices (Cumin, Paprika): Ground spices will add warmth; adjust according to personal taste preferences.

• Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Cilantro): Chopped fresh herbs brighten the soup just before serving; choose your favorite for added freshness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sauté the Base Ingredients: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and carrots, cooking until they soften and become fragrant—about 5 minutes should do it.

Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic along with cumin and paprika; cook just until fragrant—this takes about 30 seconds but gives your kitchen an irresistible aroma.

Add Lentils and Tomatoes: Toss in rinsed lentils and canned diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir everything together so that those flavors mingle beautifully.

Pour in Vegetable Broth: Gradually add vegetable broth along with bay leaves. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low so that it simmers gently for about 30-35 minutes.

Check Doneness and Seasoning: After simmering, check if lentils are tender. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed—don’t skip this step!

Add Fresh Herbs Before Serving: Just before serving, stir in your choice of chopped parsley or cilantro for an extra pop of flavor. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice!

Now you have a delightful bowl of Lentil & Tomato Soup ready to warm both your belly and your heart! Enjoy every spoonful while basking in the comfort of home-cooked goodness that brings everyone together at the table.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic before adding lentils and tomatoes. This sequence builds depth, enhancing flavors and ensuring a hearty soup.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Adding a splash of lemon juice can brighten the whole dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture and flavor.

Sharing my first attempt at Lentil & Tomato Soup brings back fond memories of friends coming over for dinner—the laughter and compliments were priceless!

FAQ

Can I use dried lentils instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just soak them overnight to reduce cooking time while still achieving great texture.

What can I serve with Lentil & Tomato Soup?

Crusty bread or a fresh salad makes excellent companions for this hearty soup.

How do I make this soup spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking for a flavorful kick!

Print

Lentil & Tomato Soup

---

• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Lentil & Tomato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or busy weeknights. This hearty dish combines earthy lentils with vibrant tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and spices, creating a symphony of flavors that warms the soul. Easy to prepare and budget-friendly, it’s a family favorite that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Enjoy every spoonful of this nourishing delight!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and carrots; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, and paprika; cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add rinsed lentils and canned diced tomatoes (with juices). Mix well to combine.
4. Gradually pour in vegetable broth and add bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Check seasoning; add salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
6. Stir in fresh herbs just before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For added brightness, consider squeezing lemon juice into the soup before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.