Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe

Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe: Comforting Goodness in a Bowl

Whipping up a delightful creamy tomato lentil soup can transform your evening meal into a comforting experience.

Hearty lentils bring robust nutrition to every spoonful.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this simple yet elegant recipe.

Rich, velvety textures mingle with bright tomato notes that warm you from inside out.

Nutrient-packed ingredients create a balanced dish perfect for chilly nights.

Quick preparation means minimal effort leads to maximum satisfaction.

Savor each spoonful and let this soup become your new favorite winter companion.

Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe: What’s So Good

  • Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich lentils, this soup delivers a hearty meal loaded with essential nutrients and fiber that keeps you full and energized.
  • Simplify Cooking Process: Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious, stress-free meal.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows adding extra vegetables, switching herbs, or topping with fresh garnishes like parsley or croutons to match personal taste preferences.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with just a single pot needed, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after preparing a comforting, creamy soup that everyone will love.

What’s In Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe

Core Ingredients:
  • Lentils: Protein-packed legumes that provide a hearty base for the soup.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture to the soup.
  • Vegetable Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid foundation for the soup.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrot, Celery: Classic vegetable combination that builds a deep, savory flavor profile for the soup.
Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Dried Thyme, Dried Oregano: Herbs that add warm, earthy notes to the soup.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds a subtle richness.
  • Coconut Milk: Adds creamy smoothness and a subtle tropical undertone.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the soup.

How To Make Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe At Home

Step 1: Prepare Lentils

Thoroughly wash lentils under cool running water to remove any debris. Allow lentils to drain completely while you start cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large cooking pot over medium warmth. Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook and stir until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.

Step 3: Add Herb Seasonings

Sprinkle dried thyme and oregano into the vegetable mixture. Gently stir to distribute herbs evenly and release their fragrant oils.

Step 4: Create Soup Base

Add ingredients to the pot:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Vegetable broth
  • Prepared lentils

Increase heat and bring liquid to a rolling boil. Reduce temperature and let soup simmer gently, allowing lentils to become tender and flavors to meld together, around 25-30 minutes.

Step 5: Blend Soup Smooth

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to create a silky, uniform texture. If using a standard blender, carefully transfer soup in batches and purée until completely smooth, then return to pot.

Step 6: Finish with Creamy Touch

Stir coconut milk into the soup, creating a rich and velvety consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle hot soup into serving bowls. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for extra elegance.

Handy Tricks For Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe

  • Thoroughly rinse lentils to remove any dirt or debris for a cleaner, smoother soup texture.
  • Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant and intense flavor profile if available.
  • For a protein boost, add cooked shredded chicken or crispy tofu cubes before serving.
  • Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels and enhance the natural taste of vegetables.
  • Freeze leftover soup in portion-sized containers for quick and easy meals during busy weeks.

Ways To Change Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe

  • Spicy Kick Variation: Replace dried thyme and oregano with chili powder, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika for a bold, fiery flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add fresh basil, rosemary, and a splash of white wine during cooking to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired taste.
  • Protein-Packed Variation: Incorporate cooked chicken or crispy chickpeas to boost protein content and add extra texture to the soup.
  • Roasted Vegetable Variation: Roast tomatoes, onions, and garlic before adding them to the soup for a deeper, caramelized flavor dimension.

Pairing Suggestions For Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe

  • Pair Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup with Crusty Artisan Bread: Rustic sourdough or whole wheat bread provides a perfect texture contrast, helping soak up the rich, creamy soup and adding a delightful crunch.
  • Wine Complement Crushed Tomato Notes: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Sangiovese or Chianti, which mirrors the tomato's acidity and complements the soup's earthy lentil undertones.
  • Fresh Herb Garnish Elevation: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to brighten the soup's flavor profile, adding a zesty, aromatic dimension that cuts through the creamy texture.

Best Way To Keep Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
  • Pour desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Pour soup into a saucepan, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore moisture.

Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe Top Questions

  • Are lentils nutritious?

Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and folate. They’re an excellent plant-based protein source that supports heart health and helps stabilize blood sugar.

  • Can I use different types of lentils?

Yes, brown or green lentils work best for this soup as they hold their shape and texture well during cooking. Red lentils might become too mushy and break down completely.

  • Is this soup suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! The recipe uses plant-based ingredients like vegetable broth and coconut milk, making it 100% vegan-friendly and dairy-free.

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Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe

Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty “Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup” brings Mediterranean comfort to your kitchen with rich, velvety textures and deep, layered flavors. Spoon through this nourishing bowl that connects rustic ingredients with soulful cooking, offering warmth and satisfaction in each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
  • 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth

Vegetables:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly rinse lentils under cold running water to remove any debris, then drain and reserve.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, introducing chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and sliced celery. Sauté vegetables until they soften and become translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle dried thyme and oregano into the vegetable mixture, gently stirring to distribute herbs evenly and release their aromatic essence.
  4. Pour diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and prepared lentils into the pot. Increase heat to high, bringing the liquid to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low.
  5. Simmer the soup uncovered for 25-30 minutes, allowing lentils to become tender and flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove pot from heat and utilize an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency. If an immersion blender is unavailable, carefully transfer soup to a standard blender, processing in batches.
  7. Return pureed soup to the pot and gently fold in coconut milk, creating a rich and velvety texture.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
  9. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and serve immediately for optimal flavor and temperature.

Notes

  • Choose red or green lentils for faster cooking and smoother texture, as they break down more easily during simmering.
  • Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any dust or debris, which can affect the soup’s overall taste and quality.
  • For a protein boost, consider adding cooked quinoa or diced tofu after blending the soup.
  • Swap coconut milk with Greek yogurt or cashew cream for different dietary preferences while maintaining a creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 170 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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