There’s just something magical about curling up with a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day, isn’t there? I remember those rainy afternoons when my mom would whip up a big pot of soup, filling our home with incredible aromas. One of my absolute favorites from her repertoire is this hearty Tomato Basil Lentil Soup. It’s not just comfort in a bowl; it’s also packed with nutrients! Lentils are a powerhouse of protein and fiber, making this soup not only filling but also incredibly healthy. Plus, the fresh basil adds a burst of flavor that brightens up those dreary days. Trust me, this dish is a hug for your insides and a delicious way to nourish your body. Let’s dive into making this delightful soup together!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Tomato Basil Lentil Soup. Make sure to gather these fresh ingredients before you start cooking!

1 cup lentils (any variety will work, but I love using green or brown lentils)
2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh, whichever you prefer)
1 onion, chopped (yellow or white onions give the best flavor)
3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought—just check for low sodium if that’s your thing)
1 cup fresh basil, chopped (don’t skimp on this; it makes a huge difference!)
2 carrots, diced (for a touch of sweetness)
2 celery stalks, diced (adds a nice crunch and flavor)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground if you can, it really enhances the flavor)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for that perfect sauté)

How to Prepare Tomato Basil Lentil Soup

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! This process is straightforward, and I promise you’ll end up with a delicious pot of Tomato Basil Lentil Soup that’ll warm your heart.

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

First things first, let’s heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once that oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. You want to sauté these for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This step is super important because it builds a flavorful base for your soup. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions turn translucent and everything smells amazing!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Next, it’s time to add the star ingredients! Stir in 1 cup of lentils, 2 cups of diced tomatoes, and pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil over high heat, and then reduce the heat to low so it can simmer. You’ll want to let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Keep an eye on it and give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The magic happens here as the flavors meld together beautifully!

Step 3: Final Touches

Finally, stir in that fresh, chopped basil along with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes. This is where the soup gets its final burst of flavor, thanks to the basil! It’s like adding a sprinkle of sunshine to your bowl. Once that’s done, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now, you’re ready to serve this glorious soup hot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber from lentils, this soup is a healthy choice that fills you up without weighing you down.
Quick to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep and about 35 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Vegan-Friendly: Perfect for anyone following a vegan diet, this soup is made entirely from plant-based ingredients.
Hearty: The combination of lentils and vegetables makes this soup wonderfully filling, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Packed with Flavor: Fresh basil and rich tomatoes bring a burst of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Tomato Basil Lentil Soup turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to share with you!

Adjusting Seasoning: Don’t be shy about tasting your soup as it cooks! Everyone’s palate is different, so if you think it needs more salt or pepper, go ahead and add a little at a time. You can always adjust as you go!
Cooking Times: Keep an eye on those lentils! Depending on the variety you use, cooking times can vary. If you’re using red lentils, they cook faster, so check them after about 20 minutes. Green or brown lentils usually take the full 30 minutes to become tender.
Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t have fresh basil? Dried basil can work in a pinch—just use about 1 teaspoon, as it’s more concentrated. You can also throw in other veggies like spinach, kale, or even bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor!
Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender. Just be careful with the hot liquid! This adds a lovely, velvety consistency to your soup.
Garnish Ideas: When serving, consider topping your soup with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Fresh croutons also add a delightful crunch!

These little tips will help you create a comforting and delicious bowl of soup that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my Tomato Basil Lentil Soup. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what you’re getting in each hearty bowl:

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 400mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 12g
Protein: 10g
Sugar: 4g

This soup is not only delicious but also a fantastic source of nutrients, making it a wonderful addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy the benefits of this cozy dish while savoring each spoonful!

FAQ Section

I know you might have some burning questions about making the perfect Tomato Basil Lentil Soup, so let’s tackle those common queries right here!

What can I substitute for lentils?

If you’re out of lentils or just want to mix things up, you can use chickpeas or split peas as a substitute. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Chickpeas will need a bit longer, while split peas can cook faster!

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! This soup is super versatile. Feel free to throw in veggies like spinach, kale, bell peppers, or even zucchini. Just chop them up and add them in during the sauté step or along with the lentils, depending on how tender you want them.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up! You can also freeze it for longer storage—just freeze in portions for an easy future meal.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

You bet! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!

How can I make this soup spicier?

If you like a kick of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño during the sauté step. You can also stir in a splash of hot sauce just before serving to give it that extra zing!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your delicious Tomato Basil Lentil Soup properly is key to enjoying those leftovers! Once your soup has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up, so you don’t trap in any steam that could make it soggy.

If you want to save it for later, this soup freezes beautifully! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or even zip-top bags. I like to lay the bags flat in the freezer, so they take up less space. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. For the best flavor and texture, I recommend reheating on the stovetop. Just pour your soup into a pot, add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick, and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl. Just cover it loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Be careful, though—it can get steamy!

And there you have it! Easy storage and reheating methods to ensure every bowl of your Tomato Basil Lentil Soup tastes fresh and comforting, just like the first time you made it!

Tomato Basil Lentil Soup: 7 Reasons You’ll Love It

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and nutritious tomato basil lentil soup.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
Add lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Stir in basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve hot.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
This soup freezes well.
Adjust seasoning to taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 12g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Tomato Basil Lentil Soup, Lentil Soup, Vegan Soup

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