Simple Tomato and Lentil Soup with Lemon Zest
A light, nourishing soup featuring earthy lentils and tomatoes, brightened by fresh lemon zest for a mood-lifting meal. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup dried, rinsed brown lentils
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1, zested lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh, chopped parsley
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 cup diced carrots, and 1 cup diced celery. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup dried brown lentils, 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Step 4: Simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Step 5: Remove bay leaf and stir in 1 lemon zest and 2 tbsp fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Simmer for 5 more minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Tomato and Lentil Soup with Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Simple Tomato and Lentil Soup with Lemon Zest?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Tomato and Lentil Soup with Lemon Zest?
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 Simple Tomato and Lentil Soup with Lemon Zest 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 Simple Tomato and Lentil Soup with Lemon Zest 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
- ★★★★★
The best tomato soup I've had in a long time. Will make again.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The lemon zest was the perfect touch.
- ★★★★★
My kids loved the lentils! So easy to make and so healthy.
