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 tomato lentil soup with spinach in a white bowl with serving spoon](https://www.thegardengrazer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tomato-lentil-soup-75-1.jpg)
This nourishing Smoky Tomato Lentil Soup warms & soothes my soul!
It combines a double dose of two 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 truly comes together so easy with just 7 simple ingredients. We combine a magical blend of a select few minimal ingredients that really maximize on flavor. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
![Onion, garlic, fresh spinach, lentils, and smoked paprika ingredients laid out on a metal tray](https://www.thegardengrazer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tomato-lentil-soup-ingredients-75.jpg)
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](https://www.thegardengrazer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tomato-lentil-soup-preparation-75.jpg)
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](https://www.thegardengrazer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tomato-lentil-soup-cooking-75.jpg)
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 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.
![Close-up view of a spoon scooping up smoky tomato lentil soup with spinach from a white bowl](https://www.thegardengrazer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/vegan-tomato-lentil-soup-75.jpg)
For more inspiration, also browse all lentil recipes or vegan soup recipes.
![Close-up view of a spoon scooping up smoky tomato lentil soup with spinach from a white bowl](https://www.thegardengrazer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/vegan-tomato-lentil-soup-75-360x360.jpg)
Smoky Tomato Lentil Soup (Easy!)
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion
- 4 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
- 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 30-35 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
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
Sodium: 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.
If you are enjoying this vegan smoky tomato lentil soup recipe, also check out:
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Diana
Thank you for the easy, delicious, nutritious recipe!
Kaitlin
My pleasure - thrilled to hear you enjoyed it, Diana!
Terri S.
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!
Kaitlin
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
Victoria
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!
Kaitlin
Love your additions of vinegar and Beyond sausage - smart! Thanks so much for sharing!
Shaneka
I just saw this on Instagram and decided to make it tonight. This tastes amazing and I have a whole pot to myself.
Kaitlin
That's so great, Shaneka! Thanks for giving it a try and sharing your kind feedback!
Lorie Spiess
I loved this recipe! I added crushed red pepper flakes and for my husband shredded chicken!
Kaitlin
So glad you enjoyed it, Lorie. Thanks for sharing!