Are you ready to warm your soul with a bowl of comforting goodness? Dive into the delightful world of our Tomato Carrot Lentil Soup! This hearty recipe is not only packed with vibrant flavors but also brimming with nutrients that will nourish your body and tantalize your taste buds. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you cooking like a pro in no time. Get ready to impress your loved ones with a soup that’s as healthy as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by rinsing lentils thoroughly, dicing carrots into small uniform cubes, chopping onion finely, and mincing garlic cloves.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Introduce diced carrots to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add rinsed lentils, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot, mixing thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender and carrots are soft.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or a dollop of yogurt.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and rinse the lentils ahead of time. This way, you can simply throw everything together when you’re ready to cook.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick.
- Blend for Creaminess: For a creamier texture, blend half of the soup with an immersion blender before serving. This adds a lovely richness without the need for cream.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the garnishes! Fresh herbs like parsley or a dollop of yogurt can elevate the flavors and add a beautiful presentation.
- Store Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option. Just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
