Half-Hour Spiced Lentil and Tomato Soup

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-30 · Updated 2026-04-30

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 soup recipe (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 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

The stock pot we’d simmer this in → Best Stock Pots for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.