Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup
3–5 yearsLunchEasy Win

Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup

Smooth red lentil and tomato soup enriched with a splash of milk — iron-rich, one-pot and freezer-friendly.

Prep

10 min

Cook

25 min

Total

35 min

Yield

6 child portions

Nutrition note

Red lentils provide plant protein, iron and fiber. Tomato contributes vitamin C, which supports absorption of plant-based iron.

Ingredients

  • 11 tablespoon olive oil
  • 21 small onion, finely chopped
  • 31 carrot, finely diced
  • 41 garlic clove, crushed
  • 51 cup (190 g) red lentils, rinsed
  • 61 can (400 g) no-added-salt chopped tomatoes
  • 74 cups (960 ml) low-sodium vegetable stock or water
  • 81/2 cup (120 ml) milk or fortified alternative

Method

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a pot and cook onion and carrot over medium-low heat for 6 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Add lentils, tomatoes and stock. Simmer for 18–20 minutes until very soft.

  4. 4

    Blend until smooth or leave slightly textured, depending on preference.

  5. 5

    Stir in milk and heat gently without boiling.

Complete the Meal

Serve with whole-grain toast fingers and grated cheese or avocado.

Allergens

Contains dairy if cow's milk is used. Check stock for allergens and sodium.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use fortified soy milk for dairy-free soup.
  • Use pumpkin puree instead of tomatoes for a milder variation.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezer Guidance

Freeze for up to 2 months. Stir well after reheating.

Picky-Eater Strategy

Offer a small cup for dipping toast if eating soup with a spoon feels difficult.

Little Helper Job

Let your child rinse the lentils and tear bread for dipping.

Evidence-informed draft; pending review by a licensed pediatric dietitian before public health claims are made.

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