Lentil Tomato Soup

Lentil Tomato Soup

This tomato soup recipe elevates the beloved classic with the use of brown butter and protein-packed lentils, which make this soup even more satiating than other versions. The nutty brown butter brings depth and highlights the sweetness of the tomatoes. The milk solids present in the butter caramelize as the butter cooks, resulting in its characteristic taste. By introducing heavy cream — therefore more milk solids — to the butter browning process, the final result is a fortified brown butter that will bring more richness and depth to the tomato soup. Serve with crusty sourdough toast or grilled cheese, tomato soup’s soulmate.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/3 cups heavy cream
  • 2 medium shallots

    finely chopped

  • 1 can whole tomatoes

    28-ounce

  • 1 can lentils

    rinsed, 15-ounce

  • Salt

Directions

  1. 1

    In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Carefully add 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a boil over medium-high. Reduce the temperature to medium and simmer, occasionally stirring for 5 minutes, until the cream thickens, reduces to about a third of its initial volume, and resembles melted cheese while developing brown bits around the pot.

  2. 2

    Add the shallots and continue stirring for 4 to 5 minutes, until there’s very little cream at the bottom and caramelized brown bits all around the sides of the pot.

  3. 3

    Add the tomatoes and their juices, crushing them with your hands as you add them to the pot, or crush them inside the pot, using a potato masher. Add the lentils, 2 cups of water and a big pinch of salt to season all the liquid. Scrape the brown bits off the bottom and sides of the pot into the liquid, using a wooden spoon or spatula.

  4. 4

    Bring to a boil over medium-high. Partly cover the pot with a lid and boil, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Add the remaining 1/3 cup of cream and season with more salt, if needed.

  5. 5

    Serve right away, or blend the soup using an immersion blender until as creamy as desired.

Lentil Tomato Soup

Lentil Tomato Soup

5.0(4.3k)

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About this Recipe

Craving a bowl of comforting tomato soup that truly satisfies? This Lentil Tomato Soup recipe elevates the beloved classic, delivering incredible depth of flavor and hearty warmth perfect for any meal.

The magic in this recipe lies in the fortified brown butter, a unique technique that coaxes an intense nutty essence from unsalted butter by caramelizing its milk solids alongside heavy cream. This enriched butter brings remarkable depth and highlights the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a complex profile far beyond a standard tomato soup. Coupled with protein-packed lentils, this soup becomes wonderfully satiating and incredibly flavorful.

Prepare for a remarkably rich and creamy soup experience, where the bright, sweet notes of whole tomatoes are beautifully complemented by the subtle, nutty warmth of brown butter. The lentils provide a pleasant, hearty texture, ensuring each spoonful is both comforting and filling. Despite its sophisticated taste, this satisfying soup comes together quickly, with only about 30 minutes needed from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.

While this soup stands robustly on its own, it truly shines when paired thoughtfully. For a classic comforting meal, serve it alongside crusty sourdough toast to soak up every drop of its rich broth. Alternatively, transform it into a nostalgic dream with its ultimate soulmate: a warm, gooey grilled cheese sandwich.

This hearty Lentil Tomato Soup is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a relaxed lunch. Its rich flavors and satisfying nature make it a go-to for cooler evenings, particularly when served with a simple slice of sourdough or a classic grilled cheese.

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