Tomato Basil and Lentil Soup

Warm, hearty, and brimming with vibrant flavors, this Tomato Basil and Lentil Soup is a wholesome one-pot wonder that’s as comforting as it is nutritious. Made with tender lentils, a medley of aromatic vegetables, and a rich tomato-basil base, this recipe combines plant-based goodness with a hint of Italian-inspired flair. A touch of dried oregano and optional red pepper flakes add depth and a gentle kick, while fresh basil leaves lend a bright, herbaceous finish. Ready in under an hour, this vegan soup is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, offering a satisfying and protein-packed option for chilly evenings. Serve it with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete, soul-warming meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato paste to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Season the mixture with the chopped basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Step 7

Stir the soup occasionally to ensure the ingredients cook evenly.

Step 8

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 9

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup slightly, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a stand blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.

Step 10

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2324.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1160.9

Total Fat 38.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5669.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 164.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 48.1g	0%
Total Sugars 49.8g
Protein 49.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 693.7mg	0%
Iron 27.7mg	0%
Potassium 5162.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.7%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 54.7%