Julie’s lentil, carrot, tomato soup

Growing up this was a pretty-much weekly item on our menu. My Mum, Julie, embraced lentil eating in the 80s along with her perm and shoulder pads. So I’m naming this as Julie’s lentil, carrot, tomato soup for her. The hair and fashions have changed but this remains a favourite in our family. She is delighted that her humble soup is spreading across the world!

This is the soup I still reach for when I need a virtual hug from home and is the soup my children are fed at least once a week. It has become one of the most read recipes on here and so many of my students make it for their families now having learned it in my classes.

I now make it for my sons and you will struggle to find a time when there aren’t a few pots of it in my freezer ready to be zapped for a quick, filling, cheap and healthy lunch. Red lentils need no pre-soaking. These protein-rich pulses (legumes) also contain a ton of fiber – 1 cup provides three quarters of your daily recommendation. The combination of protein and fiber help you stay fuller longer.