Simmered Tomato and Lentil Soup with Cumin and Turmeric
A vibrant, aromatic soup featuring red lentils and tomatoes simmered with warm spices, perfect for a nourishing weeknight meal. This nepali-inspired asian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs red lentils, large, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons, grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 cups, diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and 1 large finely chopped onion, cooking for 5 minutes until the onion is golden and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon turmeric and 2 cups diced tomatoes, cooking for 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup red lentils and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Step 5: Season with 1 teaspoon salt and stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro. Simmer for 2 more minutes, then serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Tomato and Lentil Soup with Cumin and Turmeric take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Simmered Tomato and Lentil Soup with Cumin and Turmeric?
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 Simmered Tomato and Lentil Soup with Cumin and Turmeric?
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 Simmered Tomato and Lentil Soup with Cumin and Turmeric 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 Simmered Tomato and Lentil Soup with Cumin and Turmeric vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
