Smoky Tomato Black Lentil Soup (Printable Version)
Hearty black lentils simmered with fire-roasted tomatoes, vegetables, and smoked paprika for a warming, smoky bowl of comfort.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
→ Lentils & Tomatoes
06 - 1 cup dried black lentils, rinsed
07 - 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
08 - 4 cups vegetable broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
→ Finishing
16 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
17 - 2 teaspoons lemon juice
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
# How To Make:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften.
02 - Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, black pepper, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
04 - Pour in the lentils, fire-roasted tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and salt. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
06 - Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The black lentils hold their shape beautifully while still becoming tender, giving you spoonfuls with perfect texture in every bite
- Fire roasted tomatoes bring this depth that regular tomatoes just cannot match, like summer preserved in a can
02 -
- Black lentils really do hold their texture better than other varieties, making them worth seeking out for this soup
- The lemon juice at the end might seem optional but it is what cuts through the richness and makes you want another bowl
03 -
- Rinse your lentils thoroughly before adding them, even a quick rinse removes debris and helps them cook evenly
- Letting the tomato paste cook for a full minute caramelizes its natural sugars and deepens the overall flavor