Smoky Tomato Lentil Soup

An ultra-cozy vegan Smoky Tomato Lentil Soup that will warm you from the inside out! Fire-roasted tomatoes and smoked paprika add a double dose of smokiness to this simple, satisfying meal. (Gluten-free & oil-free.)

This Smoky Tomato Lentil Soup warms and soothes my soul.

It combines a double dose of two smoky flavors: fire-roasted tomatoes and smoked paprika.

You could also add chipotle if you are feeling extra smoky and don't mind the heat.

Plus it has lots of plant-based protein and fiber, and is easy to make with only 7 simple ingredients.

Ingredients for Tomato Lentil Soup

For this recipe you will simmer in a large pot:

• Yellow onion: Or you can use sweet onion or white onion if needed.
• Fresh garlic cloves: I like the taste of fresh garlic but you can substitute with 1-2 teaspoons dried garlic powder if desired.
• Smoked paprika: This adds such a nice, smoky richness to the broth.
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Either one 28 oz. can, or two 15 oz. cans.
• Vegetable broth: Be sure to use low sodium if needed.
• Green lentils or brown lentils: I love the earthy taste of green or brown lentils in this recipe. I have not tried it with red lentils or black lentils, but I'm guessing they could work too.
• Fresh baby spinach: Or substitute kale or other greens.

Customizing

Make it spicy: Add chipotle in adobo sauce, cayenne pepper, jalapeno, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Or simply top with your favorite hot sauce to taste.

Vegetables: Change it up with your favorite veggies. Add kale, zucchini, summer squash, red bell pepper, carrots, celery, potato, cauliflower, etc.

Herbs + spices: Adjust the flavors as you see fit. Try curry powder, ground cumin, cilantro, basil, thyme, Italian seasonings, etc.

Serving

Grains + beans: Before serving, stir in some cooked brown rice, quinoa, or white beans if desired.

Garnish: You can also top your bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish.

Acidity: Squeeze a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice on top for brightness and acidity.

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. We find they keep well for about 4-5 days. It's great for meal prep and take-along lunches to reheat in the microwave.

Freezing note: I have not tried freezing this recipe, but I'm guessing it would work very well as a freezer meal! Just be sure to let it completely cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

For more inspiration, also browse all lentil recipes or vegan soup recipes.

Smoky Tomato Lentil Soup

Fire-roasted tomatoes and smoked paprika add a double dose of smokiness to this satisfying lentil soup. Simple to prepare and only 7 ingredients!

5 from 8 votes

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Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer

Course: Main Dish, Soup

Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan

Servings: 5 medium bowls

US CustomaryMetric

Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika (or up to 2 tsp.)
• 28 oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup green/brown lentils (uncooked)
• 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach (or kale)
• Salt/pepper to taste

Toppings (optional):

• Fresh basil or parsley for serving

Instructions

• Dice onion.
• In a stockpot over medium-high heat, add onion and sauté for about 8 minutes. (I use 3 Tbsp. water/broth for no-oil sauté method.)
• Meanwhile, mince garlic.
• When onion is translucent, add garlic and smoked paprika. Stir and cook 1 minute.
• Add diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
• Rinse lentils add add to pot.
• Bring to a light boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 30-35 minutes or until lentils are tender.
• Stir in spinach during the last couple minutes of cooking.
• Salt/pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving if desired.

Notes

Thickness: This soup if fairly thick + dense as written. Add another 1-2 cups broth to thin it out if desired.

Tomatoes: No fire-roasted tomatoes? Simply substitute regular diced. Or you can use one 15 oz. can fire-roasted + one 15 oz. can regular diced.

Spicy: Add another layer of smokiness with chipotle. Either chipotles in adobo or ground chipotle powder. (Be sure to start very small because it's strong and spicy.)

Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

Nutrition Facts

Smoky Tomato Lentil Soup

Amount per Serving

Calories

186

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

1

g

2

%

Saturated Fat

 

1

g

6

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Potassium

 

752

mg

21

%

Carbohydrates

 

35

g

12

%

Fiber

 

14

g

58

%

Sugar

 

7

g

8

%

Protein

 

12

g

24

%

Vitamin A

 

1460

IU

29

%

Vitamin C

 

20

mg

24

%

Calcium

 

86

mg

9

%

Iron

 

5

mg

28

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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If you are enjoying this smoky vegan lentil soup with tomato recipe, also check out:

• Loaded Veggie and Black Bean Quesadilla
• Kidney Bean Spinach Orzo Soup
• Lentil Vegetable Soup
• Tomato Orzo Soup with Spinach

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