Hearty Italian Lentil Soup Recipe
A hearty and nutritious Italian Lentil Soup featuring tender lentils simmered with aromatic onions, garlic, and ripe tomatoes, creating a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 carrot, diced
- Optional: 1 celery stalk, diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the tomatoes. If using carrot and celery, dice them as well.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Lentils: Stir in the diced tomatoes, carrot, and celery if using, cooking for another 3-4 minutes to soften. Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and mix well with the vegetables.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth or water, then add the dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened to your preference. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If desired, you can blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture or serve it as is. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Rinse lentils well to avoid grit in the soup.
- Customize the vegetable base by adding celery and carrot for more depth of flavor.
- Use vegetable broth for richer taste, or water for a lighter version.
- This soup freezes well; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while simmering.
- Serve with crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if not vegan.
Keywords: Italian lentil soup, lentil soup recipe, vegetarian soup, healthy soup, easy lentil soup
Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/hearty-italian-lentil-soup-recipe/
