Strained Lentil Soup Without Tomato Paste Calories

“Strained” means the cooked soup is passed through a sieve to remove any lentil skins or vegetable pieces. Blending usually makes it smooth enough, but straining gives strained lentil soup without tomato paste an especially fine, even texture.

Strained lentil soup without tomato paste is made without tomato paste by design, so its flavor comes mainly from lentils, aromatics, stock, and seasoning. It can still taste savory; onion, cumin, and black pepper are useful additions.

Red lentils work best for strained lentil soup without tomato paste because they soften quickly and break down into a smooth consistency. Green or brown lentils hold their shape more, so they usually need longer cooking and may not produce the same silky texture.

Build flavor in strained lentil soup without tomato paste by softening onion in a little oil before adding the lentils, then seasoning with cumin or black pepper. A squeeze of lemon at the table brightens the soup without adding tomato.

Yes, a blender works well for strained lentil soup without tomato paste. Let the soup cool slightly before blending, and work in batches if needed to avoid hot splashes. For a finer finish, pour the blended soup through a sieve afterward.

Thin strained lentil soup without tomato paste by stirring in a little hot water or stock until it reaches the consistency you want. Add the liquid gradually, then warm the soup through and taste it again, since thinning can soften its seasoning.

Strained lentil soup without tomato paste keeps for about three days in the refrigerator when cooled and stored in a covered container. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat, stirring well; add a splash of water if it has thickened.

Yes, strained lentil soup without tomato paste freezes well. Cool it, divide it into airtight portions, and thaw each portion in the refrigerator before reheating. Lentil soup can thicken after thawing, so loosen it with a little water or stock as it warms.

Serve strained lentil soup without tomato paste with bread, flatbread, or a lemon wedge. A fresh salad or a simple sandwich can make it a fuller meal, while croutons or a swirl of olive oil add texture and richness.