Name: Italian Lentil Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Green or Brown Lentils: 1 ½ cups – Hearty protein-packed base that holds up well in soups.; Carrots: 2 medium, diced – Add sweetness and texture.; Celery Stalks: 2, chopped – Provide aromatic depth and balance.; Yellow Onion: 1 large, diced – Forms the savory foundation.; Garlic Cloves: 3, minced – Boosts flavor with aromatic richness.; Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (15-ounce) can – Brings acidity and body.; Vegetable Broth: 6 cups – Forms the rich and nourishing base.; Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – For sautéing and finishing richness.; Bay Leaf: 1 – Adds subtle earthy aroma.; Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon – Infuses herbal, woodsy flavor.; Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons – Enhances all flavors.; Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon – Adds mild heat and balance.; Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped – Bright finishing garnish.

Description

A warm and rustic Italian Lentil Soup packed with tender lentils, hearty vegetables, and bold Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for cozy nights and nourishing meals.

Ingredients

Green or Brown Lentils: 1 ½ cups – Hearty protein-packed base that holds up well in soups.
Carrots: 2 medium, diced – Add sweetness and texture.
Celery Stalks: 2, chopped – Provide aromatic depth and balance.
Yellow Onion: 1 large, diced – Forms the savory foundation.
Garlic Cloves: 3, minced – Boosts flavor with aromatic richness.
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (15-ounce) can – Brings acidity and body.
Vegetable Broth: 6 cups – Forms the rich and nourishing base.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – For sautéing and finishing richness.
Bay Leaf: 1 – Adds subtle earthy aroma.
Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon – Infuses herbal, woodsy flavor.
Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons – Enhances all flavors.
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon – Adds mild heat and balance.
Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped – Bright finishing garnish.

Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment: Heat your soup pot over medium heat and add olive oil.
Combine Ingredients: Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic, thyme, and a pinch of salt.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add crushed tomatoes, broth, lentils, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Assemble the Dish: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 30–35 minutes.
Cook to Perfection: Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste.
Finishing Touches: Stir in fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm with crusty bread.

Notes

Use red lentils for a quicker, creamier variation.
Add chopped kale or spinach in the final 5 minutes for extra nutrients.
To freeze, cool completely before storing in containers.
A Parmesan rind during simmering adds extra depth if not vegan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 280
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 12g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Italian lentil soup, hearty vegan soup, Mediterranean soup, comfort food, easy lentil recipe