Italian Lentil Soup: A Hearty and Healthy Recipe
This recipe for Italian lentil soup is perfect for a chilly evening. It's hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. This simple lentil soup recipe is packed with vegetables and protein, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Learn how to make this delicious and healthy soup today!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes about 6 servings. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Italian lentil soup:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Lentils
Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the lentils and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
Tips and Variations:
- For a smoother soup: Use an immersion blender to partially or fully puree the soup after cooking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Boost the flavor: Add a bay leaf during simmering for a deeper flavor. Remove before serving.
- Make it vegetarian or vegan: Ensure your broth is vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why This Recipe is Great:
This Italian lentil soup is a fantastic choice for several reasons:
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Budget-friendly: Lentils are an inexpensive and readily available ingredient.
- Easy to make: Requires minimal preparation and cooking time.
- Versatile: Can be customized to your liking with different vegetables and spices.
- Perfect for meal prepping: Makes a great batch for lunches throughout the week.
This recipe offers a delicious and healthy meal option that's both satisfying and simple to prepare. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #ItalianLentilSoup!
