Lentil Vegetable Soup with Tomatoes: A Nourishing One-Pot Meal

There is a unique comfort found in a steaming bowl of lentil vegetable soup with tomatoes. It’s a timeless, nourishing meal that warms you from the inside out. This recipe isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about creating a deeply flavorful, hearty soup that feels both wholesome and satisfying. Forget thin, bland soups—this recipe is packed with robust flavors and textures that will make it a staple in your kitchen.

We’ll walk through everything you need to know, from selecting the right lentils to building layers of flavor that make every spoonful a delight. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this simple, one-pot recipe is designed for success.

Why This Is the Only Lentil Soup Recipe You’ll Need

This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a guide to perfecting a classic. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

• Incredibly Flavorful: We don’t just dump ingredients in a pot. Sautéing the aromatics and blooming the herbs creates a deep, savory base that makes all the difference.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein-rich lentils and a medley of vegetables, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl.
• Simple, Everyday Ingredients: Everything you need can be easily found at your local grocery store. No complex or hard-to-find items here.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights.

The Core Ingredients for a Perfect Soup

The beauty of this lentil vegetable soup with tomatoes lies in its simplicity. We rely on fresh, quality ingredients to do the heavy lifting. Each component is chosen to build a balanced, savory flavor profile.

Key Components

• Lentils: Brown or green lentils are the star. They hold their shape well, providing a pleasant texture without turning to mush.
• The Aromatic Base: A classic mirepoix of onion, carrots, and celery creates the foundational layer of flavor. Fresh garlic adds a pungent, aromatic kick.
• Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide a bright, acidic counterpoint to the earthy lentils. Fire-roasted tomatoes are a great option for an extra layer of smoky depth.
• Vegetable Broth: A quality vegetable broth serves as the liquid base. Feel free to use homemade if you have it!
• Herbs: A combination of dried thyme, oregano, and a fresh bay leaf infuses the soup with a classic, herbaceous aroma. Fresh parsley at the end brightens everything up.
• Greens: A handful of fresh spinach or kale, stirred in at the end, adds extra nutrients and a lovely color.

How to Make Lentil Vegetable Soup with Tomatoes

This one-pot recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl of soup every time. We’ll start by building flavor and finish by simmering everything to perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Bloom the Spices: Stir in the dried thyme and oregano. Cooking the dried herbs for a minute before adding liquid helps to wake up their flavor.
3. Combine and Simmer: Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), rinsed lentils, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
4. Cook the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
5. Wilt the Greens & Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh spinach or kale and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Lentil Soup

A few simple techniques can elevate your soup from good to truly exceptional. Here are my top tips for guaranteeing a delicious result.

• Don’t Skip Rinsing the Lentils: Rinsing your lentils removes any dust or debris and is a crucial step for a clean-tasting soup.
• Salt at the End: Lentils can become tough if salted too early in the cooking process. Always season your soup after the lentils are fully cooked and tender.
• Add a Splash of Acid: A small splash of red wine vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten up all the flavors and balance the earthiness of the lentils.

Common Variations to Try

This recipe is a wonderful canvas for creativity. Once you’ve mastered the base, feel free to experiment with these delicious variations.

• Add a Little Spice: For a gentle kick of heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the dried herbs.
• Introduce More Veggies: Diced potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added with the aromatics for an even heartier soup.
• Make It Creamy: For a richer, creamier texture, stir in a splash of full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream at the very end.

For another hearty and comforting meal, consider this creamy Tuscan chicken recipe (coming soon).

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

This lentil vegetable soup with tomatoes is perfect for making ahead. Here’s how to store it properly to enjoy later.

Storing

Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

This soup freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. The soup will thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.

Recipe

Lentil Vegetable Soup with Tomatoes: A Nourishing One-Pot Meal

A hearty and flavorful lentil vegetable soup with tomatoes, made in one pot with simple, wholesome ingredients. This easy recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal and is packed with plant-based protein and nutrients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Calories: 285

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion chopped
• 2 carrots chopped
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup brown or green lentils rinsed and drained
• 28 oz canned diced tomatoes undrained
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 cups fresh spinach or kale packed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• 1 Cutting Board
• 1 Chef's Knife

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in the dried thyme and oregano. Cooking the dried herbs for a minute before adding liquid helps to wake up their flavor.
3. Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), rinsed lentils, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
5. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh spinach or kale and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Tip 1: For extra flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
Tip 2: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the entire soup.
Tip 3: The soup will thicken upon standing. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Enjoy Your Homemade Soup!

There you have it—a simple, flavorful, and incredibly nourishing lentil vegetable soup with tomatoes that is sure to become a favorite. It’s a testament to the fact that simple ingredients can create something truly special. We hope you love every spoonful!

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest. We love seeing what you cook up in your kitchen!