Easy Red Lentil and Tomato Soup

Written by
Elaine Lemm
Elaine Lemm is a renowned British food writer, classically trained chef, teacher, and author with over 25 years of experience writing about British food and cooking.
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Elaine Lemm
Updated 01/10/20
Red Lentil and Tomato Soup Recipe

 The Spruce
  • Total: 30 mins
  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yield: Serves 4
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
217 Calories
1g Fat
37g Carbs
17g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: Serves 4
Amount per serving
Calories 217
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 423mg 18%
Total Carbohydrate 37g 14%
Dietary Fiber 6g 23%
Protein 17g
Calcium 50mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Red lentil and tomato soup is so easy to make. It takes very little time, is nutritious, and it is inexpensive. What's not to like?

Aside from the healthy lentils and tomatoes, you will also need some stock. If you have stock in the freezer, now is the time to use it. It is fine to use a stock cube as a substitute. Use vegetable stock if you want a vegetarian soup; otherwise chicken stock is good.

Ingredients

  • 7 ounces red lentils (washed thoroughly and any grit removed)
  • 1 1/2 pints stock
  • 1 (3/4-pound) can of tomatoes (chopped)
  • Dash salt
  • Dash pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh coriander (also known as cilantro, or tarragon leaves)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Red Lentil and Tomato Soup Recipe ingredients
    The Spruce

  2. Place the washed lentils into a large saucepan or stockpot cover with the stock. Bring to boil and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.

    Red Lentil and Tomato Soup on pot
    The Spruce

  3. Cover the pan, lower the heat and simmer for a further 15 minutes.

    Red Lentil and Tomato Soup in covered pot
    The Spruce

  4. Place the lentils, stock, tomatoes (including any juice), and fresh herbs into a food processor and blitz until smooth.

    Red Lentil and Tomato Soup in blender
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  5. Return the soup to the pan and reduce slightly or until a thickness you like.

    Red Lentil and Tomato Soup in pot with wooden spoon
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  6. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve drizzled with a little cream.

    Red Lentil and Tomato Soup in pot with wooden spoon
    The Spruce 

  7. All you need alongside this dish is some crusty bread and a little butter, and you'll be set!

    Red Lentil and Tomato Soup in white bowl
    The Spruce

What Are Pulses?

A pulse usually means the seeds of leguminous plants such as beans, peas, and lentils. The pulses can usually be eaten in their raw state, but more often that not, the pulse will be dried.

One of the great features of a pulse is that it is high in protein, making them a great addition to the vegetarian diet.

Equally, they are a healthy option for meat eaters. Added to this, the fact that they are also a slow release carbohydrate gives the sense of feeling fuller for longer, helpful for those wanting to shed a few pounds.

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