A 20-Minute Weeknight Wonder!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Cost per Serving: ~$2.75
- Calorie Count per Serving: ~220 kcal
Is there anything more satisfying after a long day than a warm bowl of lentil soup? Especially when it’s thick, creamy, and packed with flavor—thanks to Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils and their Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup.
This recipe is everything we love in a cozy meal: comforting, wholesome, and ready in just 20 minutes. No chopping lentils. No simmering for hours. Just toss it together in one pot, top it with a swirl of Greek yogurt or sour cream, and dig in.
It’s the kind of soup you’ll crave on chilly nights, rainy days, or any time you need something hearty without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love Trader joe’s lentil soup Recipe
Because it’s the kind of soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.
It’s rich, cozy, and full of bold flavor—but still light enough for a weeknight dinner. And the best part? You only need six ingredients and 20 minutes to make it happen.
Here’s why this one’s a keeper:
- Zero stress – no peeling, no soaking, no fancy steps
- Trader Joe’s shortcuts – their Steamed Lentils and Roasted Red Pepper Soup do all the heavy lifting
- So nourishing – loaded with plant-based protein, fiber, and veggies
- Kid-approved – creamy, mild, and easy to customize
- Budget-friendly – one pot feeds the whole fam for just a few bucks
One bite and you’ll be wondering why you didn’t tr
How to make Trader joe’s lentil soup
You will need
You’ll find the exact quantities listed below in the recipe card.
Olive oil: Just a tablespoon to start things off right. It helps mellow out the garlic and onion and gives the soup that velvety mouthfeel we all love. Use extra virgin if you can—it makes a difference in simple recipes like this one.
Garlic: Three cloves, chopped—not minced too fine. You want those little bits to soften gently in the oil and release all their cozy, aromatic goodness. No shortcuts here, fresh is best.
White onion: Half an onion is plenty. Go for white if you’ve got it—it’s milder and blends beautifully with the sweetness of the roasted pepper base. Don’t overdo it; we want balance, not onion soup.
Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils: This is the secret weapon. They’re already cooked, perfectly tender, and packed with earthy flavor. Just crumble them into the pot, and you’re halfway to dinner.
Trader Joe’s Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup: This is where the magic happens. Creamy, tangy, and just a little sweet—this soup transforms your lentils into something special. It’s your broth, your flavor base, and your shortcut all in one carton.
Salt: To taste. The lentils and soup already bring flavor, so start small and adjust at the end.
Greek yogurt or sour cream: A cool, creamy topping that plays perfectly against the warmth of the soup. It’s optional—but highly recommended.
Parsley or green onion: Just a sprinkle on top for a fresh finish. Totally optional, but lovely if you’ve got it on hand.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Start by grabbing your favorite soup pot—nothing fancy needed, just something big enough to hold cozy comfort in liquid form. Set it over medium heat and pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let it warm gently while you prep the aromatics.
Next, chop the garlic and onion. You don’t need to get too fussy—just a rough chop will do the trick. Once they’re ready, toss them into the pot and let them sizzle softly for 2–3 minutes. Stir occasionally, just enough to keep things moving. You’re looking for the garlic to soften and smell amazing, not turn golden.
Now it’s time for the lentils. Open the package of Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils and crumble them straight into the pot. Don’t worry if they clump together at first—they’ll break down as they heat up. Give everything a good stir.
Once the lentils are warm and mingling nicely with the onion and garlic, pour in the full carton of Trader Joe’s Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup. Stir well to combine and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. You want bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil.
Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, uncovered. This gives all the flavors a chance to come together and deepen without over-reducing the soup.
Before serving, taste and add salt if needed. The soup base already has some seasoning, so just a pinch might be enough.
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top each one with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream. If you’ve got fresh herbs on hand, a little chopped parsley or green onion makes a perfect final touch. 🌿
That’s it. One pot. One cozy bowl. And zero stress.
Trader joe’s lentil soup recipe TIPS
Don’t rush the aromatics. Let the garlic and onion soften gently—this is where your flavor base begins. If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat a touch. You’re building depth here, not going for a sear.
Break up the lentils with your spoon. They come a bit packed from the container, but once they hit the heat, they’ll soften and blend right into the soup. Don’t worry if it looks chunky at first—it smooths out beautifully as it simmers.
Keep the simmer gentle. Once everything’s in the pot, a light simmer is all you need. If it starts bubbling too much, just lower the heat. This helps the soup thicken slightly without turning too mushy or losing that roasted red pepper brightness.
Taste before salting. The roasted red pepper soup already brings a lot of flavor, and the lentils are seasoned too. Start light and adjust at the end—you might be surprised how little you need.
Top it right. A swirl of Greek yogurt or sour cream adds creaminess and contrast, but if you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of olive oil and a crack of black pepper also do wonders.
Make it your own. Don’t be afraid to riff—add spinach, throw in some cooked quinoa, or spice things up with a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes. This soup’s a great canvas for whatever you’ve got in the fridge.
What to serve with Trader joe’s lentil soup
This Trader Joe’s Lentil Soup is satisfying all on its own, but if you’re in the mood to round it out into a full meal, here are a few perfect pairings that make every spoonful even better:
Something Crunchy on the Side
- A slice of toasted low-carb cloud bread or even a cheesy chaffle works wonders for dipping (try our Cottage cheese cloud bread Recipe if you haven’t yet—sooo good).
- Or keep it light with a handful of parmesan crisps—they add crunch and a salty bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
Something Fresh
- A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Bonus points for arugula or baby spinach with a sprinkle of feta.
Something to Sip
- A warm mug of herbal tea or a light cucumber mint infused water makes this feel like a mini at-home spa meal.
- Mini Keto Lemon Tarts: Bright and zesty with an almond flour crust, these little tarts bring balance after something warm and savory. Keep a batch in the fridge for when the sweet cravings hit.
Want to Try Another Twist on Lentils?
If you’re loving this cozy lentil vibe and want to try something a little more elevated, check out this Lentil French Onion Soup. It’s a beautiful mash-up of caramelized onions and hearty lentils—rich, savory, and perfect for a dinner party or cozy night in
When to serve Trader joe’s lentil soup
This recipe is a true anytime comfort meal, but here are a few perfect moments to serve it:
- Busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table in 20 minutes flat
- Meal prep Sundays — it keeps great in the fridge for several days
- Meatless Mondays for a vegetarian option that still feels hearty
- Rainy days or cozy nights in, wrapped in a blanket with a bowl in hand
- Light lunches when you want something warm without feeling weighed down
It’s simple enough for everyday, but flavorful enough to serve when friends stop by. Just set out a few toppings and let everyone build their own bowl.
FAQ about Trader joe’s lentil soup
Are Trader Joe’s lentils good?
Yes—so good, actually! Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils are fully cooked, perfectly tender, and lightly seasoned, which makes them ideal for soups, salads, or even just tossed with vinaigrette. They save time without sacrificing flavor or texture. And bonus: they’re found in the refrigerated section, so they stay super fresh.
How healthy is lentil soup for you?
Lentil soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and slow-digesting carbs, making it great for energy and digestion. This version also gets a boost from the antioxidant-rich roasted red peppers in the tomato soup base. It’s hearty, satisfying, and totally guilt-free.
Are Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils healthy?
Absolutely. Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils are not only convenient—they’re also low in fat, high in fiber and protein, and have no added preservatives or weird ingredients. One serving gives you a great dose of nutrients, especially for a vegetarian or flexitarian diet.
How much protein is in Trader Joe’s Lentil Soup?
Each serving of this homemade lentil soup (using Trader Joe’s lentils and soup base) delivers about 13 grams of protein per bowl. That’s plenty to keep you full and fueled, especially when paired with fiber-rich ingredients like lentils.
Trader Joe’s Lentil Soup with Roasted Red Pepper
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This quick and cozy Trader Joe’s Lentil Soup is your new weeknight dinner hero. Made with just six ingredients and ready in 20 minutes, it combines the earthy richness of Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils with the sweet, tangy warmth of Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup. It’s creamy, comforting, and surprisingly healthy—all in one pot. Top it with Greek yogurt or sour cream and a sprinkle of herbs for an easy vegetarian meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
2 large eggs
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder (optional)
Instructions
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and onion, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid browning the garlic. Crumble in the Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils and stir to combine with the aromatics. Once the lentils begin to warm through, pour in the entire carton of Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, just enough for the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Ladle into bowls, top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep! You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To make it vegan, just skip the dairy topping or swap it for a plant-based yogurt. Add a handful of baby spinach or a pinch of smoked paprika to customize it even more.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1bowl
- Calories: 220kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 13g
Keywords: Trader Joe’s Lentil Soup, roasted red pepper soup, 20-minute meal, easy dinner, healthy family meal, lentil soup, soup recipe, Trader Joe’s, vegetarian, weeknight dinner
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