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tomato lentil soup

Tomato Lentil Soup

A comforting and nourishing tomato lentil soup, perfect for chilly UK evenings. This budget-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free dish is easy to prepare and packed with wholesome flavours and nutrients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Comfort Food, Soup
Cuisine: british, vegan
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large carrot finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato purée
  • 150 g red lentils rinsed and drained
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon paprika optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 litre vegetable stock or water with stock cubes
  • Juice of half a lemon optional
  • Fresh parsley or coriander for garnish optional

Equipment

  • 1 large pot (for cooking the soup)
  • 1 immersion blender (optional, for blending the soup)
  • 1 chopping board and knife (for preparing vegetables)

Method
 

  1. Sauté the Base Flavours:
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and chopped carrot, sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Spices:
  4. Stir in tomato purée, cumin, thyme, and paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the spices' flavours. Add the tinned chopped tomatoes and stir well.
  5. Add Lentils and Simmer:
  6. Pour in vegetable stock, bring to a gentle boil. Add red lentils and stir. Lower heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are soft.
  7. Blend for Desired Texture:
  8. Blend the soup using an immersion blender for a smooth consistency, or leave it chunky for texture.
  9. Final Touches:
  10. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley or coriander.

Notes

Rinse lentils thoroughly to avoid a gummy texture.
Adjust thickness with more vegetable stock if needed.
Add chilli flakes for a spicier version.