Hearty Lentil Tofu Soup: A Delicious Vegan Recipe
Lentil Tofu Soup Recipe Introduction:
If you’re like me, a hearty soup on a cold day is the definition of comfort. And nothing hits the spot quite like a warm bowl of lentil soup. But have you ever considered adding some smoked tofu and other flavorful spices? Trust me; it will take your lentil soup experience to the next level.
This Lentil Tofu Soup recipe combines plant-based ingredients, including red lentils and smoked tofu, with a blend of savory herbs and spices, giving the soup an irresistible flavor profile that will make your taste buds dance.
But our lentil soup’s greatness doesn’t end there. This particular recipe is vegan, making it perfect for those who follow a plant-based or vegetarian diet. What’s even better, it takes only one pot to make, so clean up is a breeze!
So if you’re looking for something comforting, healthy and simple to cook up tonight, then this Lentil Tofu Soup Recipe might just become your next go-to meal. Don’t just trust me; give it a try today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty and nutritious soup recipe that will tantalize your taste buds, look no further than this lentil tofu soup recipe. This vegan soup is the perfect combination of smoky tofu and protein-packed lentils, seasoned with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices like oregano, sage, and rosemary to create an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Not only is this soup flavorful and filling, but it’s also incredibly easy to make in just one pot. Just sauté some onions and garlic, add in the lentils and tomato puree, pour in the vegetable broth, and let it simmer until everything is tender and fragrant.
With plant-based eating on the rise, this lentil tofu soup ticks all the boxes for a healthy and wholesome meal. Red lentils are an excellent source of fiber and protein while smoked tofu adds a satisfyingly savory dimension to the dish without adding any meat.
If you’re in need of something spicy to warm you up on a chilly day, this soup also comes with a little kick from cayenne pepper and chile oil. The warmth will spread through your body like toasted bread, leaving you feeling cozy and satisfied.
So why waste money on takeout when you can make this delicious lentil tofu soup recipe right at home? It’s perfect for batch cooking or freezing for future meals. Not only will it save you money in the long run, but it’s also incredibly delicious. Give this recipe a try, and I can guarantee that it will become a staple on your weekly meal plan!
Ingredient List
Here’s a list of ingredients you will need for this delicious Lentil Tofu Soup Recipe:
– 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
– 1 Red Onion, chopped
– 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
– 1-2 tsp Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper, Oregano, Rosemary and/or Sage
(In case you want to adjust the spice level or intensity of the herbs)
– 1 can Tomato Puree (8 oz)
– 6 cups Vegetable Broth
– 2 cups Lentils (red or green), rinsed and drained
(You choose your preference)
– 1/4 cup Flour
– 12 oz Smoked Tofu, diced in small cubes
(We personally prefer the smoked one as it adds an extra depth of flavor but you can use other types of tofu or protein as well)
– 1 cup Carrots and Celery, chopped
(Or substitute with other vegetables such as sweet potato, corn or peas)
– 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained
Make sure to have these items on your grocery list so you’re ready to make this hearty Lentil Tofu Soup!
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the fun part – the steps to create this flavorful Lentil Tofu Soup. Follow along with my instructions for a dish that warms you from the inside out.
Step 1: Cook the onions and garlic
First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped red onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced cloves of garlic and cook for an extra 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
Step 2: Start the soup base
Add 6 cups of vegetable broth, 1 can of tomato puree, and 2 cups of diced tomatoes (undrained) to your pot. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Add the lentils and tofu
Pour in 2 cups of red lentils and stir well. Then add 1 package of smoked tofu, cubed into bite-sized pieces. We’re using smoked tofu to add a depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Step 4: Add Flavor Enhancers
Now it’s time to spice up your soup. Add 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon each of oregano, rosemary, and sage, and some freshly ground black pepper according to taste. The herbs mix adds a nice aroma while also building up lasting flavors.
Next, add some heat to your soup by adding in a pinch or two of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a bit more mildness, you can always omit this step.
Step 5: Optional spicy tofu topping
For those who love spicy food, creating fried chili oil adds great texture with a kick! Combine together chopped chile peppers and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat just before serving. Gently sauté until fragrant. Then use them as toppings when serving soup to those who crave an extra dose of spiciness.
Once everything is added into the pot, allow the lentils to simmer on low heat for at least an hour, covered with a lid or until the lentils are fully cooked through. Your Lentil Tofu Soup will become savory in color with thickened consistency due to its hearty ingredients.
Time required: Preparation time-15 minutes; Cooking time-Over 1 hour
Serves: 4
Enjoy your warming Lentil Tofu Soup with friends and family, knowing that you created this delicious plant-based meal all on your own!
Substitutions and Variations
This lentil tofu soup recipe is quite versatile and flexible. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
– Instead of smoked tofu, use plain or marinated tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
– Swap the lentils for other legumes, such as chickpeas, black beans, or kidney beans. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– Use a different type of broth, such as chicken or beef broth if you’re not vegan; or mushroom broth for a richer flavor.
– Add more vegetables, such as sweet potato, butternut squash, green beans, or spinach. You can chop them finely or keep them chunky.
– Try different spices and herbs to vary the flavor profile of your soup. For example, add cumin, coriander, turmeric, or curry powder for an Indian twist; or thyme and parsley for a French vibe.
– If you like it spicy, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some diced jalapeno peppers to the soup.
– For a thicker consistency, mix 1-2 tablespoons of flour with some water in a small bowl until a paste forms; then stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
– To make this soup gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour as a thickener.
Regardless of the variations you choose to make to this recipe, be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Remember that cooking is an art and you are free to experiment with your own variations until you find what suits your personal taste preferences best!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve whipped up a fantastic lentil tofu soup, it’s time to turn your attention to how best to serve and pair it. This vegan soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, or you could serve it as a starter before the main course.
To garnish the dish, I recommend adding some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, which will help balance out the soup’s earthy and smokey flavors. You could also top with some croutons or pumpkin seeds for an added crunch.
As for pairing, this lentil tofu soup would go great with a crusty slice of artisan bread or even some hearty crackers. It’s also an excellent accompaniment to a fresh garden salad, which would add a nice contrast to the warm and comforting soup.
For drinks, I would suggest serving this vegan lentil soup with a glass of red wine or perhaps some sparkling water with a slice of lemon to bring out the flavors of the herbs in the dish.
Remember, this lentil tofu soup recipe is versatile enough to allow you to flex your culinary creativity, so feel free to pair it with other dishes or drinks depending on your preference.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re looking for a soup that can be made in advance, look no further than this lentil tofu soup recipe. It is one of the best lentil soups out there and can be easily made in one pot with simple ingredients.
To make this soup ahead of time, prepare it as directed but do not add the fried tofu before storing. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to a month.
When reheating the soup, transfer it to a pot and heat over medium heat until warmed through. If the soup has thickened after being refrigerated or frozen, simply add more vegetable broth or water to thin it out.
While most soups tend to lose their flavor when stored and reheated, this vegan lentil tofu soup actually tastes even better the next day! The flavors will have had time to meld together resulting in an even more flavorful and hearty dish.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or simply looking for a dish that gets better with time, this lentil tofu soup recipe is your new go-to.
Tips for Perfect Results
The perfect lentil-tomato-tofu soup might seem elusive to the uninitiated, but fear not, for with a few tips and tricks, you will be serving up a rich and hearty soup that will impress even the most discerning palates. Here are some pointers that I’ve honed over the years to help you achieve optimal results.
First and foremost, always use quality ingredients. The flavor of your soup depends on the quality of its base, so make sure that you invest in fresh lentils, vegetables, smoked tofu, and vegetable broth. I always recommend using organic produce if possible since it ensures nothing artificial or synthetic is added to the dish.
To help elevate the soup’s flavor profile, season correctly. Regulate quantity precisely- overly salty is as bad as under salted; cayenne pepper(for a bit of heat), rosemary, sage, oregano are herbs that pair well with the earthy texture of lentils. Smoked paprika adds a bold flavor that complements the smoked tofu quite well.
Proper cooking time is also key to producing optimal results. Be patient with your soup – unlike recipes that call for reckless improvisation after the initial stage- let it simmer for at least an hour for all its flavors to combine in harmony; otherwise shortening cooking times would leave you with undercooked lentils that make it unpleasantly chewy.
Incorporate various textures? Great taste isn’t just about the flavor; it’s about enjoying various textures as well- “meaty” pieces of smoked tofu balanced by silky soft melted down lentils; diced veggies such as sweet potatoes and carrots can add another level of thickness to this vegan lentil soup
Presentation? Presentation is vital – we eat with our eyes first. Incorporate visual cues such as chopped parsley or pieces of sliced bread pressed beside bowls.
Lastly, let your creativity shine through experimentation! Develop various variations using other ingredients by adding garlic Naan or whole wheat bread on the side or drizzle chile oil on top if you like things spicy.
By following these tips and adding plenty of care and attention into every step, you’ll have a vegan soup recipe like no other- hearty & delicious- good enough to satisfy any palette all year-round!
FAQ
As you embark on making this delicious lentil tofu soup, you may have questions or concerns that arise. Don’t fret, as I have anticipated some of the most common questions and have provided answers to help guide you through the process. Read on to find out more about the frequently asked questions and how to overcome any obstacles that may come your way while making this flavorful dish.
Should tofu be cooked before adding to soup?
One way to incorporate tofu into soup is by adding it raw and letting it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes for added heat and taste. It is safe to consume raw tofu, making it a seamless addition to soups.
Do you have to soak lentils before making soup?
Did you know that unlike beans, lentils don’t require soaking before cooking? However, it is necessary to sort and rinse them before cooking. It is essential to note that lentils come in different varieties, and each type cooks at a different pace. The quickest to cook are the red lentils, which blend to give a velvety texture suitable for soups.
Why is lentil soup so good for you?
Lentils boast a wealth of health benefits, including high levels of fibre, folate and potassium, which promote optimal heart health and assist in controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Additionally, these tiny legumes are a natural source of iron, a mineral required for energy production, and vitamin B1, which helps regulate the heartbeat.
How does Gordon Ramsay make lentil soup?
One of the keys to this dish is to create a flavorful base before adding the star ingredient. So, in a pan over medium heat, sauté some onions and garlic until they turn golden and aromatic. This will infuse a rich depth of flavor to the dish. After that, add some spices — I suggest cumin, paprika, and a pinch of chili powder — and give it a quick toss. Be sure to have your tomato puree handy, as this will be your next addition. Mix it in with the spices and fry for about two minutes, or until it starts to caramelize.
Now, it’s time to involve the lentils. Add them to the pan along with the chicken or vegetable stock. I like to use red lentils for this dish because they cook quickly and make the soup creamy when they break down. Let the mixture simmer for around 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils have cooked through and are soft to the touch.
For those who prefer a completely smooth texture to their soup, you may want to puree it at this stage with an immersion blender. However, I prefer to leave it partly chunky as it provides a great texture contrast. Just remember to have some crusty bread on hand to mop up all the delicious flavors.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this lentil tofu soup recipe is sure to be a hit with any plant-based food lover. It’s not only vegan and healthy, but it’s also packed with incredible flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. You won’t believe how hearty and filling it is, despite its light and nutritious ingredients.
So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal for your busy weeknights or searching for a comforting dish to warm up your soul on a cold winter evening, this lentil tofu soup has got you covered. With its versatility and adaptability, you can easily customize this recipe to your own preferences, making it the perfect addition to any recipe arsenal.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the best of both worlds: flavorful smoking tofu combined with nutritious lentils in one piping hot delicious soup. It is definitely worth the effort.
Lentil Tofu Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 chopped red onions
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 100 g smoked tofu, cubbed
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 250 g canned lentils (drained weight)
- 1250 ml vegetable broth
- 100 ml tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- pepper
- salt
- cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook chopped onion until it is brown and aromatic.
- Add tofu and flour and cook for another minute.
- Stir in vegetable broth, drained lentil and tomato puree.
- Add herbs and spices. Salt if necessary. Cook for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot.