Tomato-Lentil Soup(For Microwave)
A hearty microwave tomato-lentil soup with savory flavors, perfect for quick, comforting meals. Suitable for busy weeknights or healthy lunch options.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon instant minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cups dried lentils, washed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 6 cups water, divided ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons instant beef flavored bouillon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine chopped onion, minced garlic, and water in a 3-quart casserole.
- Cook, covered, on Full power for 2 to 4 minutes, or until onion is tender.
- Add washed lentils, salt, pepper, and 4 cups water to the casserole.
- Cook, covered, on Full power for 20 to 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender, stirring halfway through cooking time.
- Stir in the can of tomatoes (cut up) and tomato paste. Heat through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding the lentils. If you're out of lentils, split peas can be a suitable substitute. You can also adjust the seasoning by adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Tomato-Lentil Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Cracked Wheat Pilaf or Beef 'N Beet for a well-rounded dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of yogurt for added freshness and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency, as the soup may thicken in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato-Lentil Soup(For Microwave) contains roughly 487 calories, with 14g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2506mg per serving (109% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for the canned ones. Use about 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. Just be aware that the flavor may vary slightly, and you might need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they break down properly.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make the soup vegetarian, simply omit the instant beef flavored bouillon and replace it with vegetable bouillon. This will maintain the depth of flavor while keeping the soup entirely plant-based.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).