23 May 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
2 tsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves
2 cans canned tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup canned lentils
salt & pepper to taste
Tomato lentil soup is a hearty and nutritious meal perfect for any time of the year. This recipe combines the tangy flavor of canned tomatoes with the earthy taste of red lentils, all simmered in a savory vegetable broth. It's a simple, one-pot dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Open the cans of tomatoes and lentils, and drain and rinse the lentils.
2. Heat the Olive Oil:
- In a large pot, heat the 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Cook the Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour the 2 cans of tomatoes and the 2 cups of vegetable broth into the pot.
5. Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add Lentils:
- Add the drained and rinsed 1/2 cup of canned red lentils to the pot.
7. Season to Taste:
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
8. Continue to Simmer:
- Allow the soup to continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes, until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
9. Blend if Desired:
- For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a standard blender, blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
10. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread if desired!
Tips:
- Sauté the garlic first.: Heat the olive oil in your pot and sauté the minced garlic cloves until they're fragrant. This step enhances the depth of flavor in your soup.
- Add some herbs.: Consider adding herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to enhance the flavor profile. Fresh or dried herbs can both work well.
- Rinse the canned lentils.: Rinse the canned lentils under cold water before adding them to the pot to remove excess sodium and improve the soup's texture.
- Blend for a smoother texture.: If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning at the end.: Always taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper at the end of cooking. This ensures you don’t over-season and lets you control the final flavor.
With its rich blend of flavors and wholesome ingredients, this tomato lentil soup is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad to complete the meal. Enjoy your homemade, heartwarming soup!