The days seem to get busier and busier as the holiday approach which means, I need all the simple recipes I can get my hands on…and I’m sure you do too!
My Tomato Basil Veggie Lentil Soup Recipe was created with this in mind—keeping things simple in the kitchen, so we can get delicious and nutrient-filled meals to nourish us and keep us energized for our many tasks! ! ????
Beauty Fruit: Tomatoes
When it comes to healthy looking skin and looking and feeling our best, tomatoes are a fruit that should is a beauty food that contains the antioxidant lycopene.
Tomatoes contain the following nutrients (among many others):
- Copper
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Niacin
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Thiamin
- Vitamins A
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B6
With all those listed above, tomatoes really do contain a great deal of antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the blood. This is great news since free radicals in the blood stream can lead to cell damage.
Note: The redder the tomato the more beta-carotene it contains.
Not only will you benefit by eating these plump juicy guys, but they also help topically when applied to the surface of your skin. When you peel 8-12 tomatoes and place them on your face (the insides of the tomato touching your skin), for at least 10 minutes (then washing), your face will feel super clean and shiny. If you do happen to experience a bit of redness, this will fade over time, leaving your skin feeling fresh and vibrant looking.
Beauty Herb: Basil
I absolutely love basil and how easily it adds a pop of flavor to any dish, including this one. Basil has an amazing aroma and unique flavor that can be used in soups, salads, and my Glowing Green Smoothie®.
Here are a few other benefits to using this versatile herb:
- Basil has anti-microbial activity which fights against a wide range of bacteria, yeasts, molds and viruses, being a great immune-booster (particularly when heading into cooler months).
- Basil contains powerful essential oils, such as, eugenol, citronellol and linalool. These are enzyme-inhibiting oils that help in lowering inflammation, being an excellent anti-inflammatory.
- Basil also produces a detoxifying enzyme which keeps out liver cleansed and in top function, aiding in removing unwanted waste for our gut.
Beauty Veggies
Greens are hands down, one of the most important food groups. They are the most nutrient-dense of all foods and full of alkaline minerals and fiber.
Veggies also make up your key Beauty Foods which regenerates and purifies your cells—keeping your skin glowing, your hair strong and your eyes beautifully bright!
This soup is loaded with everything from broccoli and carrots, to celery and onions—providing you with an excellent variety of nutrients. Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice- you really can’t go wrong. Plus, it will help bring out the creative chef in you. ????????
Beauty Protein: Lentils
Lentils are awesome! They are so easy to make, and are filing and grounding, not to mention delish.
One cup of lentils has 18 grams of easy to digest (and assimilate), plant protein, with loads of minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients.
Legumes and beans are nature’s “oops”, which contains both protein and starch, and therefore, can be more difficult to digest. I suggest soaking them overnight and rinsing them well before you consume them.
Just remember, even though canned lentils can be found in grocery stores, I don’t encourage them unless you’re in a bind. This is because they lose a lot of their nutritional value which is the complete opposite of what we’re trying to achieve here. Because lentils cook pretty easily, I say, try to make them yourself whenever possible, and you will see just how easy they are prepare.
With the high nutritional value that lentils have and how available they are throughout the year, it’s time to start adding this beautifying food into your meals!
Prepare ingredients.
In a large stock pot, heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil over medium heat. Add onion, broccoli carrots, celery, and saute until starting to soften. Add garlic and continue to saute another minute.
Add 6 cups vegetable broth, tomatoes, thyme, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in lentils and tomato paste. Partially cover pot and simmer for 45 minutes or until lentils are tender. Add more broth if needed, but I like this soup thick like a stew.
Stir in spinach. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.
When you’re ready to eat, serve lentil soup with a fresh basil garnish. Enjoy!
See full soup recipe below…
Tomato Basil Veggie Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- • 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
- • 1/2 cup diced carrots
- • 1/2 cup diced celery
- • 6-8 cups vegetable broth
- • 4-5 medium size tomatoes diced
- • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- • 1 teaspoon salt
- • 2 cups green lentils rinsed and picked over for stones
- • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- • 3-4 cups spinach roughly chopped
- • fresh basil for garnish
- • 1/2 yellow onion diced (Optional)
- • 2 cloves garlic minced (Optional)
- • 2 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil over medium heat. Add onion, broccoli carrots, celery, and saute until starting to soften. Add garlic and continue to saute another minute. (If using garlic)
- Add 6 cups vegetable broth, tomatoes, thyme, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Stir in lentils and tomato paste. Partially cover pot and simmer for 45 minutes or until lentils are tender. Add more broth if needed, but I like this soup thick like a stew. Stir in spinach. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.
- When you're ready to eat, serve lentil soup with a fresh basil garnish
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was on Instagram!
Let me know what your favorite soup is, and don’t forget to add this recipe to your Dinner Recipes Pinterest Board!
Love,
Kimberly
I need easy recipes as Lil Bub gives me a run for my money- I am running after him a lot of the time while I’m trying to get work done :). Lots of love to you, Beauty! xo
This soup is delicious and great for crisp November evening.
Hi Katrina and thanks for your feedback. I’m thrilled you gave this recipe a try and that you liked it! Lots of love to you! ;)
How many servings does this recipe make? Thanks!
Hi Beverly and thanks for checking this recipe out. I would say there is about 4-6 small servings. Let us know what you think! ;)
Instead of tomatoe paste and vegetable broth I’ve added 32 ounce bottle of V-8 juice. Try it you’ll love it. You can add just a little V-8 at a time till you like the taste of it and till it suits your liking.
Thank you so much for giving this soup a try and sharing your version using V-8 juice! Sending so much love to you Andrea! Xo
When do you add the rice?
Hi Ann…thanks for checking out this blog post. In this recipe there is no rice and this is because of wanting to properly food combine. I don’t like to combine protein (lentils are considered a protein), with a starch (rice). Let us know if you give this a try and what you think. Lots of love! ;)
Tomato soup is my all time favorite and this was amazing ! It was so easy to make and affordable for my budget . Next time I will double the recipe . Its getting cold in NYC so soup is something I eat several times a week. Thank you Kimberly!
So tasty!! I added extras from my fridge like mushrooms, and it was delish! Perfect hearty bowl for a cold night in Canada! Leftovers were just as tasty- if not better- the next day! Thanks Kimberly!
Hi Mandy…so happy you gave this recipe a try and liked it. I always appreciate hearing feedback from my Beauties. Keep up the good work and sending you lots of love and support! ;)
I am of the old school and like lots of cream based soups, i.e. potato soup, clam chowder, creamy tomato soup, etc. My daughter in law is more health conscience of her food intake and I really have a problem with making something healthy, the way she likes, and with a great flavor. Well, this was definitely a hit with her, my granddaughter, and me! Thank-you for the recipe!!
Thank you so much for checking it out and sending so much love to you! ;)
I just made this. OMG so delicious ???? Thanks Kimberly
So glad you enjoyed it Karen! Sending you lots of love! xx