Half-Hour Spiced Lentil and Tomato Soup
A hearty and fragrant spiced lentil soup simmered with tomatoes and warming spices, perfect for a cozy meal in just 30 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs red lentils, diced tomatoes (canned), vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 14 oz diced tomatoes (canned)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 2: Add 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika to the pot, stirring for 30 seconds until the spices become aromatic.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup red lentils, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until lentils are tender and soup thickens.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Hour Spiced Lentil and Tomato Soup take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-Hour Spiced Lentil and Tomato Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep red lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Hour Spiced Lentil and Tomato Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Hour Spiced Lentil and Tomato Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Half-Hour Spiced Lentil and Tomato Soup vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This soup is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The spices are just right.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So quick and flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a cold evening, and the whole family loved it!
