Warm up your soul with a bowl of our delightful Red Lentil and Roasted Tomato Soup! This vibrant, vegetarian dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also packs a nutritional punch, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, you'll find yourself coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Plus, it’s simple to prepare, taking just 40 minutes from start to finish. Ready to impress your family or guests with this deliciously hearty soup? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for your secret!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 cups roasted tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold running water, removing any debris or small stones. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cumin to the onions, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed red lentils. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and have started to break down.
- Add the roasted tomatoes to the pot, breaking them up with a wooden spoon if they are whole. Stir to incorporate.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue simmering for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some texture. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and pulse briefly before returning to the pot.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, thin with additional vegetable broth.
- Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or a dollop of yogurt if desired.
Tips
- Rinse the Lentils: Always rinse your red lentils thoroughly to remove any impurities. This step ensures a cleaner taste and better texture in your soup.
- Sauté for Flavor: Take your time to sauté the onions until they are translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.
- Season to Taste: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your soup by garnishing with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of yogurt for a creamy finish. This adds not only flavor but also a beautiful presentation.
- Make it Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
