Name: Curried Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients: 3 tbsp olive oil (45g); 1 large onion, chopped; 2 large carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tbsp tomato paste (48g); 2 tsp cumin; 1 tsp curry powder; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste; 1 ½ cup dried green lentils, washed (290g); 1 can chopped tomatoes (15oz / 425g); 4 cups vegetable stock (960ml); 2 cups water (480ml); 2 tbsp lemon juice (30ml); Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or parsley)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 82 reviews

Nothing beats a cozy bowl of Curried Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe when you want something hearty, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying. This soup brings together the earthy goodness of lentils, the vibrant acidity of tomatoes, and the warm, aromatic spices of curry and cumin. It’s a blend that feels both comforting and adventurous, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a nourishing bowl filled with deep, complex flavors. Once you try this Curried Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe, it might just become your new go-to for easy, wholesome meals that impress without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A deep white pot with a blue handle holds a thick lentil stew filled with small round lentils and small orange carrot pieces, all in a rich reddish-brown broth. Bright green parsley leaves are scattered on top, adding fresh color. The stew looks hearty and textured with visible bits of onion and celery within the layers of the soup. A metal spoon rests inside the pot, partially submerged. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a wooden board holding a shallot and parsley sprigs placed nearby. A piece of black and white striped cloth is partially visible at the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to unlocking the full potential of this Curried Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, combining fresh vegetables with a carefully balanced spice mix to create layers of flavor and texture you’ll love.

Olive oil (3 tbsp): A rich, fruity base that helps sauté the veggies to perfection.
Onion (1 large, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized gently.
Carrots (2 large, chopped): Bring natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
Celery stalks (2, chopped): Provide subtle herbaceous notes and crunch.
Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuse the soup with a savory, aromatic punch.
Tomato paste (3 tbsp): Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds richness.
Cumin (2 tsp): Earthy and warm, a cornerstone of the curry spice blend.
Curry powder (1 tsp): Brings a fragrant, exotic kick to the dish.
Dried thyme (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle herbal brightness to balance the spices.
Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Provides mild heat and depth.
Ground turmeric (1/2 tsp): Offers a warm color and gentle earthiness.
Salt (1/2 tsp plus more to taste): Essential to enhance all the flavors perfectly.
Dried green lentils (1 ½ cup, washed): Protein-packed and hearty, the star of the soup.
Chopped tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz): Juicy and tangy to enrich the broth.
Vegetable stock (4 cups): A flavorful liquid base that brings everything together.
Water (2 cups): Helps achieve the perfect soup consistency.
Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Brightens the final soup with a zesty touch.
Fresh herbs for serving: Adds freshness and a lovely presentation.

How to Make Curried Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally until the onion turns translucent and the carrots soften slightly. This step builds the flavorful foundation for your soup, where the natural sweetness of the vegetables begins to shine without rushing the process.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

Once the veggies are ready, stir in the minced garlic along with the tomato paste, cumin, curry powder, thyme, black pepper, turmeric, and salt. Let the mixture cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the spices to toast and the tomato paste to caramelize. This awakens the incredible aroma and depth only curry can bring to the table.

Step 3: Combine Lentils and Liquids

Pour in the washed lentils, canned chopped tomatoes, vegetable stock, and water. Give everything a good stir to combine, then bring the soup to a boil. This is where the lentils start to absorb all those magnificent flavors and transform into tender, delightful morsels.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for around 30 to 40 minutes. Check occasionally and stir to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s done when the lentils are soft and the soup has thickened into a rich, hearty bowl of comfort.

Step 5: Finish With Lemon Juice and Herbs

Before serving, stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten and balance the flavors. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and freshness that makes every spoonful irresistible.

How to Serve Curried Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe

The image shows three side-by-side views of a white pot with orange handles on a white marbled surface. The first view shows a layer of mixed lentils and small diced orange carrots with a wooden spoon stirring inside. The lentils are tan and small, and the carrots add bright orange spots among the lentils. The second view shows the pot filled with a thicker orange liquid with some whole lentils visible and small bubbles on the surface; the wooden spoon is still inside, resting against the side. The third view shows the pot filled with a thick orange lentil stew, with many lentils soft and blended, creating a textured top layer with steam rising. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your bowl by adding a dollop of creamy yogurt or coconut cream to contrast the spices. Fresh cilantro or parsley leaves add vibrant green bursts, while a sprinkle of toasted seeds or nuts lends a delightful crunch that complements the smooth lentil base.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread, naan, or pita for dipping. A crisp salad with citrusy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly, bringing balance and extra texture to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in a bread bowl or alongside a spoonful of flavored rice such as cumin-scented basmati. Layering textures with homemade crackers or a side of roasted vegetables ensures each bite keeps surprising your taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Curried Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing

This soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing for the best texture retention.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of water or stock to loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving directly from frozen to preserve the flavor and consistency.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of green lentils?

Absolutely! Red lentils cook faster and will give the soup a softer, creamier texture, while green lentils hold their shape better and offer more bite. Both work wonderfully; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, the Curried Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free vegetable stock. It’s a versatile dish that suits many dietary needs.

How can I make the soup spicier?

If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chopped fresh chili, or some chili flakes during the spice sauté step. Start small and adjust to your taste to keep the flavors balanced.

Can I use canned lentils for this recipe?

While canned lentils save time, they may become mushy if cooked too long. If you use canned lentils, add them towards the end of cooking just to warm through and reduce the simmering time.

What fresh herbs work best as garnish?

Cilantro and parsley are classic choices that brighten the soup beautifully. Mint or basil can also add an intriguing twist, depending on your flavor preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Curried Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug in a bowl. It’s simple yet bursting with layers of flavor, nourishing, and satisfying in every spoonful. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion every time.