Tomato Lentil Soup

This easy Tomato Lentil Soup is bursting with rich tomatoes, subtle spice, and hearty lentils. It's a wholesome, one-pot wonder packed with protein, flavor, and warmth.

There’s something special about a good soup. It’s comforting, it’s filling, and when done right, it doesn’t take much effort.

This Tomato Lentil Soup checks all the boxes. It’s deeply flavorful with the richness of tomatoes, the earthiness of lentils, and a gentle heat from harissa paste.

The texture is thick, velvety, and satisfying, making it a perfect meal on its own or a great side to something fresh and crunchy.

What I love about this soup is how quickly it comes together. Most of the ingredients are probably sitting in your pantry, and the rest are simple, affordable, and easy to find.

Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable. You can tweak the seasoning, swap in different vegetables, and adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Serve it with a swirl of tangy Greek yogurt and a handful of fresh cilantro for a bowl that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. And trust me, it tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

If you love hearty soups, then be sure to try Lentil Soup, Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup, or Kale and White Bean Soup.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Harissa Paste
• Instructions
• Serving Suggestions
• Variations
• Storage
• Top tips
• FAQs
• Cuisine
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly flavorful – The combination of tomatoes, lentils, and harissa paste creates a bold, rich taste.
• Simple pantry ingredients – Most of these ingredients are probably already in your kitchen. If you don't have harissa paste, you can leave it out or substitute red pepper flakes or sriracha for a bit of heat.
• Easy one-pot meal – Less mess, less cleanup!
• Healthy and nutritious – Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap veggies, or add extras for a personal touch.
• Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

• Dried Red Lentils – Cook quickly and give the soup a creamy texture. Green or brown lentils can work but will need more cooking time.
• Canned Tomatoes – The foundation of the soup’s flavor; use fire-roasted for extra depth.
• Harissa Paste – Brings warmth and spice; use more or less depending on your heat tolerance. Alternatively, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Vegetable Stock – Forms the base of the soup. Use homemade or store-bought.
• Onion – Adds depth and sweetness to the base. Shallots or leeks can also work.
• Carrots – Bring a natural sweetness and a touch of earthiness.
• Potato – Helps thicken the soup and add heartiness. Swap for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter version.
• Garlic – Essential for depth of flavor.
• Tomato Puree – Enhances the tomato richness; substitute with a little tomato paste and water if needed.
• Oil – Used for sautéing the veggies; olive oil works best, but any neutral oil will do.
• Salt & Pepper – To taste, depending on the saltiness of your stock.
• Greek Yogurt & Cilantro (To serve) – Adds freshness and creaminess. Swap with dairy-free yogurt or parsley if needed.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Harissa Paste

Harissa paste is a bold and spicy North African condiment made from roasted red peppers, chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway.

Originating from Tunisia, it adds depth and heat to a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to marinades and dips. The intensity of harissa can range from mild to fiery, depending on the blend of chilies used.

It’s a versatile ingredient that enhances both traditional and modern recipes, offering a smoky, slightly tangy, and complex heat that balances well with rich and hearty flavors.

Instructions

Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.

Heat the oil in a large pot over a low heat, then add the onion, carrots and potato and cook, stirring often, for 7 minutes or until softened but not browned.

Stir in the garlic, tomato puree and harissa paste and cook for a further minute.

Stir in the vegetable stock, water, canned tomatoes, and lentils, bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes or until the vegetables and lentils are tender and cooked. Season with the salt and pepper to taste (you may not need to add salt if the stock is salty).

Divide the soup into bowls and serve topped with a dollop of yogurt and chopped cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

1. With warm, crusty bread. Or try a quick White Soda Bread or Wheaten Bread.
2. Paired with a fresh salad. Try these 28 Tasty Healthy Salad Recipes.
3. With grilled cheese sandwiches.

Variations

1. Add chopped bell peppers for a sweeter, more complex flavor.
2. Stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
3. Swap harissa for smoked paprika for a milder spice but rich flavor.
4. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
5. Top with crispy chickpeas for crunch. Or try Air Fryer Croutons or Popped Beans with Herbs for tasty toppings.
6. Mix in ground cumin or coriander for extra warmth.
7. Serve with crumbled feta for a salty contrast.

Storage

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

FAQs

Cuisine

This soup is a fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, with harissa lending its North African roots.

Lentil-based soups are staples in many cultures, prized for their affordability, nutrition, and heartiness.

If you love hearty, simple soups, this is one to keep in your recipe rotation!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you love this recipe, please leave a five-star rating and review in the comments below! And if you make any modifications, let us know how it went so that we can all benefit from your experience. Happy cooking!

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