Lemony Lentil Soup with Heirloom Tomato Salad

A comforting Lebanese-inspired lentil soup pairs with juicy heirloom tomato salad to celebrate Washington’s late-summer harvest in a simple weeknight dinner.

  • Total time: 45 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $7
  • Calories per serving: 510 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Organic red lentils
    3/4 cup dry (about 5 ounces) $3.99
  • Yellow onion
    1 small (about 5 ounces) $1.49
  • Organic carrots
    2 medium (about 5 ounces) $1.89
  • Organic garlic
    2 cloves $6.99
  • Organic heirloom tomatoes
    12 ounces $4.43
  • Italian parsley
    1/4 cup chopped $1.49
  • Lemon
    1 large, yielding 3 tablespoons juice $0.89
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
    2 tablespoons
  • Ground cumin
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground black pepper
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Fine sea salt
    1 1/4 teaspoons, divided

Instructions

  1. Peel and finely dice 1 small yellow onion and 2 medium carrots. Mince 2 garlic cloves. Rinse 3/4 cup dry red lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and drain.

  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the prepared onion and carrots; cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ground cumin and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; stir for 30 seconds.

  3. Stir in the rinsed lentils, 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook partially covered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils have collapsed and the carrots are tender. If the soup becomes too thick, add 1/4 cup water.

  4. While the soup simmers, cut 12 ounces heirloom tomatoes into bite-size wedges. Chop enough Italian parsley to measure 1/4 cup. Juice 1 large lemon, measuring out 3 tablespoons juice and reserving 2 tablespoons for the soup.

  5. Just before serving, gently toss the salad in a bowl with:

    • The prepared tomato wedges
    • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

    Keep the flavorful tomato juices in the bowl for serving.

  6. Whisk the cooked soup briefly to make it creamy while retaining a little texture. Remove from the heat and stir in the reserved 2 tablespoons lemon juice.

  7. Ladle the soup into two deep bowls. Divide the tomato salad between two side plates, spoon its juices over the wedges, and serve alongside.

Drink pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony lentils and fresh tomatoes.