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A warm bowl of lentil vegetable soup with tomatoes, garnished with fresh parsley.

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
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.