Description
A comforting and hearty Italian Lentil Soup recipe that is perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with nutritious ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this soup is a delicious and satisfying choice for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetable Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant.
- Cook Lentils: Add tomatoes, lentils, and vegetable broth. Simmer until lentils are tender.
- Add Spinach: Stir in spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve with crusty bread.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving.
- This soup keeps well and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
