Half-Hour Spiced Lentil Soup with Carrots and Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty and warming lentil soup enriched with aromatic spices, tender carrots, and ripe tomatoes, perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal. This middle eastern-inspired soups (vegetarian, vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs red lentils, medium carrots, diced, (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, and 1/4 tsp turmeric powder to the pot. Stir and cook for 1 minute until the spices bloom and become aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 diced medium carrots, 1 cup red lentils (rinsed), 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with their juice, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until the lentils and carrots are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Hour Spiced Lentil Soup with Carrots and Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Soup with Carrots and Tomatoes?

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 Soup with Carrots and Tomatoes?

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 Soup with Carrots and Tomatoes 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 Soup with Carrots and Tomatoes vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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