Italian Lentil Soup Recipe
Preparation Time: 12 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 12 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Description:
Warm your soul with this comforting Italian lentil soup, a hearty dish bursting with flavors and nutrients. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a wholesome, satisfying meal. This recipe is a creation from lovewithrecipes.com.
Recipe Category:
Lentil Soup
Keywords:
Beans, European, Low Protein, Vegan, Low Cholesterol, Weeknight, Less than 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 6-8 cups dried lentils
- 8 cups water
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 411.7
- Fat: 27.6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 65.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 30.9g
- Fiber: 14g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 11.8g
Instructions:
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Rinse Lentils: Begin by rinsing the dried lentils under cold water, then drain them thoroughly. This step helps remove any debris or impurities.
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Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion, celery, and garlic cloves. Having your ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process smoother.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the rinsed lentils, water, olive oil, diced onion, chopped celery, tomato paste, minced garlic, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
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Bring to a Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
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Simmer: Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the soup to simmer gently for approximately 2 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the lentils will become tender and infused with deliciousness.
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Check and Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, carefully remove the bay leaves from the soup. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Adjusting the seasoning ensures the perfect balance of flavors.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot Italian lentil soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil before adding them to the soup.
- Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables, such as carrots or spinach, for extra nutrition and color.
- This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Warm, nourishing, and brimming with wholesome ingredients, this Italian lentil soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Share it with loved ones and savor the comforting flavors of homemade goodness. 🍲✨
