Hearty & Quick Lentil and Tomato Soup Recipe: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
Discover the ultimate in comfort and convenience with this incredibly easy-to-prepare Lentil and Tomato Soup. Designed to satisfy with its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this hearty soup comes together in mere minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Its delightful taste and nutritional benefits make it a family favorite, and the best part? You can effortlessly double or even triple the recipe to create a convenient freezer stash, ensuring you always have a delicious, nutritious, and last-minute meal option ready to go.
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There are days when you crave something deeply satisfying and comforting, yet time is simply not on your side. That’s where this Quick and Easy Lentil and Tomato Soup truly shines. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, packed with plant-based goodness and vibrant flavors. This recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In under 30 minutes, you can transform simple pantry staples into a delicious and nourishing soup that will leave you feeling completely content.
Whether you’re looking for a wholesome lunch, a light dinner, or a hearty starter, this lentil and tomato soup fits the bill perfectly. It’s naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly, making it an excellent choice for a variety of dietary preferences. The combination of earthy lentils, bright tomatoes, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of flavors that will appeal to even the pickiest eaters. Plus, its incredible freezer-friendliness means you can enjoy this culinary delight whenever the craving strikes.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Lentil and Tomato Soup
- Effortlessly Quick: From start to finish, this soup is ready in just 25 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy weekdays. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
- Incredibly Wholesome: Loaded with fiber-rich lentils, antioxidant-packed tomatoes, and fresh carrots, this soup is a powerhouse of nutrition that supports a healthy lifestyle.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with inexpensive pantry staples, this recipe is kind to your wallet without compromising on flavor or quality.
- Freezer-Friendly: Prepare a large batch and freeze individual portions for convenient, ready-to-heat meals throughout the month. It thaws beautifully and tastes just as good as fresh.
- Highly Customizable: Adapt the recipe to your liking with additional vegetables, herbs, or spices. It’s a versatile base that welcomes your creative touches.
- Naturally Delicious: The simple yet robust combination of ingredients creates a deeply satisfying and comforting flavor profile that will quickly become a household favorite.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Soup
This recipe relies on a few key ingredients, each playing an important role in building the soup’s delicious flavor and texture. Opting for quality ingredients, even for simple dishes, can elevate your culinary experience.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The foundation of flavor, providing a rich base for sautéing aromatics.
- Garlic: A crucial aromatic that adds depth and warmth. Freshly minced garlic offers the best pungency.
- Ground Cumin: This spice introduces an earthy, warm, and slightly smoky flavor that complements the lentils and tomatoes beautifully, adding a touch of exotic flair.
- Vegetable Stock: The liquid base for the soup, infusing it with savory notes. You can use homemade stock for richer flavor or a good quality store-bought brand.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide a vibrant, slightly acidic counterpoint to the earthy lentils and contribute to the soup’s hearty texture. Using fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add an extra layer of smoky flavor.
- Dry Red Lentils: These quick-cooking legumes are the star of the show. They break down slightly during cooking, thickening the soup and providing a fantastic source of protein and fiber. Remember to rinse them thoroughly!
- Grated Carrots: Adding a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color, carrots also boost the nutritional content. Grating them ensures they soften quickly and blend seamlessly into the soup.
- Dry Quinoa: A fantastic addition for extra texture and a complete protein boost. It cooks directly in the soup, absorbing the delicious flavors.
Optional garnishes like fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors, and baby spinach adds a nutritional punch and wilts perfectly into the hot soup, adding freshness and a lovely green hue.
Pin Recipe
Quick and Easy Lentil and Tomato Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced or grated with a Microplane
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 can (28 oz / 796 ml) diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup dry red lentils, thoroughly rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup grated carrots (about 2 large carrots)
- 1/3 cup dry quinoa
Optional garnishes
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 2 large handfuls baby spinach
Instructions
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In a large saucepan set over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the minced or grated garlic and stir gently for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown. Next, add the ground cumin and stir for an additional 30 seconds to allow its aromatic qualities to develop. Then, pour in the vegetable stock, diced tomatoes (undrained), thoroughly rinsed and drained red lentils, grated carrots, and dry quinoa. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the quinoa is cooked through.
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Taste the soup and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Stir everything together well. If you are using them, stir in the fresh lemon juice and baby spinach. Allow the soup to sit off the heat for 5 minutes, which will give the baby spinach enough time to wilt beautifully into the warm broth. Reheat gently if necessary before serving.
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STORAGE: To store, first allow the Lentil and Tomato Soup to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent condensation and maintain quality. Once cooled, divide the soup into airtight containers. It can be safely refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat from frozen on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock or water if needed to adjust consistency.
Tips for Making the Best Lentil and Tomato Soup
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse dry lentils thoroughly under cold running water before cooking. This removes any debris and helps to prevent excess foam during simmering.
- Don’t Overcook: Red lentils cook relatively quickly. Keep an eye on the soup and avoid overcooking, which can turn them mushy. They should be tender but still hold their shape somewhat.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot with a spoon or use an immersion blender for a few pulses. For a thinner soup, add a little extra vegetable stock or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Flavor Boost: For an even deeper flavor, you can sauté finely chopped onion or celery along with the garlic at the beginning.
- Fresh Herbs: While not listed as essential, fresh parsley or cilantro stirred in at the end can add a wonderful fresh aroma and flavor.
Variations and Customizations
This simple lentil and tomato soup is a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with these ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the cumin for a bit of heat.
- Herbaceous Notes: Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, or a bay leaf during simmering for an extra layer of flavor. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Creamy Finish: For a touch of creaminess, stir in a dollop of coconut milk (for a vegan option) or a swirl of heavy cream just before serving.
- Smoky Flavor: A small amount of smoked paprika can add a delightful smoky depth to the soup.
- Protein Boost: While lentils and quinoa provide ample protein, you could also add cooked crumbled plant-based sausage or shredded chicken (if not vegetarian) for an even heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Lentil and Tomato Soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments to make a complete and comforting meal:
- Crusty Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread or a baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
- Grilled Cheese: The classic pairing! A gooey grilled cheese sandwich makes a fantastic companion to this hearty soup.
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory soup.
- Garlic Knots or Breadsticks: For an extra flavorful side, serve with homemade or store-bought garlic knots.
- Toppings Galore: Beyond the lemon and spinach, consider a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (if not vegan), a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream, fresh croutons, or a drizzle of your best extra-virgin olive oil.
Nutritional Highlights of Lentil and Tomato Soup
This soup isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly good for you. Each bowl is packed with essential nutrients:
- Lentils: Excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and promotes a feeling of fullness. They also provide vital minerals like iron and folate.
- Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is known for its heart-healthy benefits and may protect against certain cancers. They also provide Vitamin C and K.
- Carrots: Loaded with beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, essential for good vision and immune function.
- Quinoa: A complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s also gluten-free and a good source of fiber, magnesium, and B vitamins.
Enjoying this soup is a delicious way to boost your daily intake of vegetables, fiber, and plant-based protein, contributing to overall well-being.
Embrace the simplicity and satisfaction of this Quick and Easy Lentil and Tomato Soup. It’s a testament to how humble ingredients can create something truly extraordinary and nourishing. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Don’t hesitate to give it a try – your taste buds and your schedule will thank you!
Did you make this?
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