Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup

Name: Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup, especially on chilly days. The comforting blend of flavors is not only satisfying but also nourishing. Lentils and tomatoes provide a hearty foundation, while the creamy finish adds a delightful richness that warms me from the inside out. I often pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal, making it a staple in my kitchen. This soup is quick to whip up, so I can enjoy a bowl of goodness in less than an hour.

Created by

Maisie Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-15T12:58:17.799Z

Making Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup has become one of my weekly rituals. After experimenting with various spices and techniques, I discovered that adding a hint of smoked paprika really elevates the flavor. It adds depth and warmth that complements the tomatoes beautifully. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a single pot and minimal prep.

I also love how versatile this soup is—I've added various vegetables depending on what I have on hand. Carrots and spinach work especially well, enhancing both nutrition and taste. Each bowl is a canvas for creativity!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy texture that warms your soul
Rich tomato flavor complemented by earthy lentils
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

      

Understanding Lentils in Soup

Red lentils are not only a wonderful source of protein but also add a unique creaminess to this soup as they cook down. Unlike green lentils, which retain their shape, red lentils break apart and thicken the soup, creating that velvety texture you crave. When rinsing the lentils, it's important to remove any debris or small stones that might have snuck in during processing. This ensures only the best ingredients make it into your dish.

One key to a successful creamy soup is balancing moisture and thickness. If your soup appears too thick after blending, feel free to stir in a bit more vegetable broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. On the flip side, if it’s too thin, a simple trick is to mash a few of the lentils with your spoon to thicken it without additional cooking time.

Enhancing Flavor with Spices

Smoked paprika and dried basil are essential in this recipe, providing depth and a savory touch. Smoked paprika introduces a hint of smokiness that complements the earthiness of lentils beautifully. If you want to amp up the flavor profile even more, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar at the end to brighten the overall taste.

Fresh herbs can also elevate this soup. While parsley is a great garnish, you might experiment with fresh basil or thyme, stirring them in just before serving for a burst of freshness. Remember, the key is to add herbs at the right time; adding them too early can lead to a more subdued flavor as they lose potency during cooking.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your soup:

Ingredients

1 cup red lentils, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
Fresh parsley for garnish

Now that you've assembled your ingredients, let's start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy soup:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add Lentils and Tomatoes

Stir in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, and basil. Bring to a boil.

Simmer the Soup

Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

Blend the Soup

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, you can carefully transfer to a regular blender in batches.

Add Cream and Season

Stir in the cream or coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread!

Your soup is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently. This ensures even heating and prevents the milk from curdling.

If you prefer to freeze the soup, it freezes well for up to three months. Avoid adding the cream or coconut milk until after you've thawed and reheated it, as this keeps the soup’s texture silky smooth. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gradually, adding the cream for that rich finish.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, which is perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy goodness. Consider adding a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a more substantial meal. A sprinkle of croutons on top can also provide a delightful contrast to the smooth soup texture.

For a heartier version, serve over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa. This not only stretches the recipe but also adds an extra layer of nutrients. You can garnish with a dollop of soured cream or Greek yogurt for a refreshing touch, enhancing the creaminess while cutting through the richness of the soup.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option and ensure your vegetable broth is vegetarian.

→ What can I add for more protein?

Consider adding cooked chicken, tofu, or even beans like chickpeas or black beans for extra protein.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your vegetable broth for any added gluten.