The Garden Grazer

  • Recipes
  • Matcha
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Gluten-Free
  • Oil-Free
  • Subscribe
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Gluten-Free
  • Oil-Free
  • Subscribe
  • About
×
Home » Recipes » Soup

Smoky Tomato Lentil Soup (Easy!)

Feb 23, 2019 by Kaitlin · 10 Comments

Jump to Recipe

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

Smoky lentil tomato soup in a white serving bowl on a wooden table

This nourishing Smoky Tomato Lentil Soup soothes my soul!

It combines a double dose of two warm, smoky flavors: fire-roasted tomatoes and smoked paprika. (Yum!) You can also add chipotle if you're feeling extra smoky and don't mind the heat.

The amazing part is it comes together so easy with just 7 simple ingredients. It's a magical blend of a few minimal ingredients that really maximize on flavor. I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Onion, garlic, fresh spinach, lentils, and smoked paprika ingredients laid out on a metal tray

Ingredients for Tomato Lentil Soup

For this recipe, you'll simmer in a large pot on the stovetop:

  • 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 simple one ingredient adds such a delicious, smoky richness to the broth.
  • Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: I use a 28-ounce can. But you can use two 15 oz. cans if you can't find the 28-ounce 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 haven't tried this soup with red lentils or black lentils, but I'm guessing they could work too. Just be aware red lentils are a little sweeter and don't hold their shape, so it will be more of a stew-like texture.
  • Fresh baby spinach: Or you can substitute kale or other greens.
Overhead view of preparing soup ingredients in a large pot before cooking

Customizing

Make it spicy: Add chipotle in adobo sauce, cayenne pepper, jalapeño, a pinch of chipotle powder, 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. This is a fairly thick soup as written, so I'd suggest decreasing the lentils (or slightly increasing the broth) to make room for more veggies.

Herbs & spices: Adjust the flavors however you see fit! Add curry powder, ground cumin, cilantro, basil, thyme, Italian seasonings, etc.

Smoky tomato lentil soup cooking in a large pot with ladle

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. Or stir in 2-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to the soup after cooking.

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator after it cools. I find it keeps well for about 4-5 days. It's great for meal prep and take-along lunches to reheat in the microwave because it tastes just as great (if not better!) as leftovers.

Freezing note: I haven't tried freezing this soup, 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. Then enjoy within 1-2 months.

Smoky tomato lentil soup with spinach in a white bowl with serving spoon

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

Smoky lentil tomato soup in a white serving bowl on a wooden table

Smoky Tomato Lentil Soup (Easy!)

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 7 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
Course: Main Dish, Soup
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan
Servings: 5 medium bowls

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika (or more)
  • 28 oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup green/brown lentils
  • 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach

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, adding more as needed.)
  • Meanwhile, mince garlic.
  • When onion is translucent, add garlic and smoked paprika. Stir and cook 1 minute.
  • Then add diced tomatoes, broth, and lentils (rinsed well and drained).
  • Bring to a light boil. Then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
  • Roughly chop spinach and stir in 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. (Or use less lentils.)
Spicy: Add another layer of smokiness with chipotle! Either chipotles in adobo sauce or ground chipotle powder work great. (If using powder, start very small because it's strong.)

Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

Nutrition Facts
Smoky Tomato Lentil Soup (Easy!)
Amount per Serving
Calories
187
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
1
g
2
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.1
g
1
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Potassium
 
754
mg
22
%
Carbohydrates
 
35
g
12
%
Fiber
 
14
g
58
%
Sugar
 
7
g
8
%
Protein
 
12
g
24
%
Vitamin A
 
1460
IU
29
%
Vitamin C
 
21
mg
25
%
Calcium
 
87
mg
9
%
Iron
 
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Sodium content: This is omitted as I cannot provide an accurate number. I encourage you to calculate your own to provide a much more precise reading based on the exact ingredients, brands, and amounts you're using.

Get the Monthly NewsletterSubscribe here!

If you're enjoying this vegan smoky tomato lentil soup recipe, also check out:

  • Kidney Bean Spinach Orzo Soup
  • Lentil Vegetable Soup
  • Tomato Orzo Soup with Spinach

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

More Vegan Soup & Chili Recipes

  • Three bean chili cover photo
    Fiesta Three Bean Chili (Vegan!)
  • Chickpea Noodle Soup (Easy!)
  • Vegan tomato soup cover photo
    Vegan Tomato Soup (Easy!)
  • Southwest corn chowder cover photo
    Southwest Corn Chowder (Vegan!)

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating:




  1. Diana says

    April 24, 2022 at 9:44 pm

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

    Reply
    • Kaitlin says

      April 26, 2022 at 7:24 am

      My pleasure - thrilled to hear you enjoyed it, Diana!

      Reply
  2. Terri S. says

    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 says

      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 says

    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 says

      July 16, 2019 at 9:51 am

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

      Reply
  4. Shaneka says

    April 23, 2019 at 7:48 pm

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

    Reply
    • Kaitlin says

      April 25, 2019 at 9:13 am

      That's so great, Shaneka! Thanks for giving it a try and sharing your kind feedback!

      Reply
  5. Lorie Spiess says

    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 says

      February 23, 2019 at 6:23 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it, Lorie. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

Hello, I'm Kaitlin!
I live in Montana and share vegan recipes that are easy and healthy. About Me →

Footer

↑ back to top

Info

About
Privacy Policy
Contact

Follow

Newsletter
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

Recipes

Recipe Index
Oil-Free Recipes
Gluten-Free Recipes

Copyright © 2025 The Garden Grazer

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required