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    Home » Recipes » Soup

    Smoky Tomato Lentil Soup

    Feb 23, 2019 by Kaitlin

    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.)

    Bowl of smoky tomato lentil soup with spoon

    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.

    Dry brown lentils in a glass jar with wooden spoon

    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.
    Tomato Lentil Soup in a bowl

    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.

    Soup with smoked paprika and spinach in a white bowl with spoon

    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.

    Bowl of vegan Lentil Tomato Soup with spoon

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

    Bowl of vegan Lentil Tomato Soup with spoon

    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
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    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

    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.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    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

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

    More Vegan Soup + Chili Recipes

    • Mushroom Chili
    • Vegan Broccoli Potato Soup
    • Lentil Cabbage Soup
    • Vegan Coconut Curry Lentil Soup

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Diana

      April 24, 2022 at 9:44 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for the easy, delicious, nutritious recipe!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        April 26, 2022 at 7:24 am

        My pleasure - thrilled to hear you enjoyed!

        Reply
    2. Terri S.

      November 17, 2019 at 3:36 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorites! Dreary gray (winter in fall!) day and I'm sick, unfortunately. I'm hoping the spices open up my sinuses. I do have a very spicy palate, so I always add chipotle chili's in Adobo sauce, along with the sauce. Super comforting right now, and even though it's sad to have to make your own soup while sick, it helped relieve my congestion by standing on my feet for the short time to make this. Hope to make it many more times this winter (and hopefully healthy). Love all your recipes!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        November 18, 2019 at 9:42 am

        Your sweet notes always make me smile. Really appreciate your kind words (and recipe rating - thank you!) Such a bummer to hear you've been under the weather. Hopefully this soup helped begin to turn things around. And I love that you add chipotles in adobo for some extra smokiness! Sending happy, healing vibes your way - take care of yourself and feel better soon! -Kaitlin

        Reply
    3. Victoria

      June 23, 2019 at 11:28 am

      5 stars
      Thanks for this great recipe! Added a couple of splashes of sherry vinegar and some Beyond Meat plant-based sausage. So perfect and nourishing, even on a summer evening!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        July 16, 2019 at 9:51 am

        Love your additions of vinegar and Beyond sausage - smart! Thanks so much for sharing!

        Reply
    4. Shaneka

      April 23, 2019 at 7:48 pm

      I just saw this on Instagram and decided to make it tonight. This taste amazing and I have a whole pot to myself.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        April 25, 2019 at 9:13 am

        That's so great! Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    5. chiranshi

      March 15, 2019 at 1:00 am

      5 stars
      I have never been a big fan of lentil soup, but I certainly am going to try your recipe. It looks divine!

      Reply
    6. Lorie Spiess

      February 23, 2019 at 6:07 pm

      I loved this recipe! I added crushed red pepper flakes and for my husband shredded chicken!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        February 23, 2019 at 6:23 pm

        Thanks for sharing!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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