Vegan Lentil & Tomato Soup

This is a hearty vegan lentil soup that hides surprising depth behind simple ingredients. Red lentils break down to creamy thickness without any dairy or starch additions, and a finishing sprinkle of nutritional yeast adds that savory cheesy quality vegan cooking sometimes lacks.

The pressure cooker version takes 20 minutes at 15 pounds pressure. The stovetop version takes a full hour. Both yield the same texture eventually, but the pressure-cooked version locks in more vegetable flavor because nothing escapes as steam during the cook.

Letting the pressure release naturally (without forcing) keeps the lentils intact and silky. Quick-releasing the pressure can break the lentils into mush and turn the soup grainy.

Adding the tomato component at the end is intentional. Acidic tomatoes slow the softening of legumes when added at the beginning, sometimes leaving you with crunchy lentils after a full cook. Saving tomatoes for the finish guarantees properly cooked lentils every time.

Salt also goes in at the end for the same reason. Salt added too early toughens legume skins and slows their breakdown. The whole soup hits its proper seasoning only in the last few minutes of cooking.

Nutritional yeast flakes are the secret ingredient. They provide a faint cheesy umami that makes the soup feel rich and satisfying despite being entirely plant-based. Don’t skip them.

Pro Tips

• Rinse the red lentils in a fine sieve until water runs clear. Unwashed lentils foam excessively during cooking.
• Use a fire-roasted variety of canned tomatoes for the most flavor boost.
• A splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice at the very end brightens the soup dramatically.
• This soup thickens overnight. Loosen with a splash of water or stock when reheating.

Variations

• Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika with the herbs for a smoky bacon-like flavor without the meat.
• Stir in 2 cups of baby spinach or chopped kale during the last 5 minutes for added greens.
• Top with a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a finishing touch.