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 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

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 45

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

Saturated Fat

0.1

Polyunsaturated Fat

0.3

Monounsaturated Fat

0.1

Potassium

754

Carbohydrates

Fiber

Sugar

Protein

Vitamin A

1460

Vitamin C

Calcium

Iron

* 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.

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Smoky Tomato Lentil Soup (Easy!)

Ingredients for Tomato Lentil Soup

Customizing

Serving

Storing