Zuppa di Lenticchie (Lentil Soup) Recipe Guide

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Zuppa di Lenticchie

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Course Soup

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 1 cup dried lentils green or brown
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Method
• Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water and check for any debris or small stones. Set aside.
• Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
• Combine Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed lentils and the diced tomatoes (with their juices). Pour in the broth and season with salt and pepper.
• Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and check the consistency. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water.
• Adjust Seasoning: Once the lentils are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
• Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy it with crusty bread for a complete meal!
• Variations and Tips
• Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by ensuring the broth is vegetable-based.
• Spicy Kick: For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.
• Heartier Soup: Add diced potatoes or other vegetables like spinach or kale for additional nutrition and texture.
• Make It Creamy: For a creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.

Zuppa di Lenticchie is a hearty and nutritious lentil soup that warms the soul, especially on chilly days. This classic Italian dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a perfect choice for a healthy meal. From my own personal experience, I find that it’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for meal prep-it keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Let me show you how I make this comforting soup, step by step.

Notes on What to Expect

You can expect a flavorful, comforting bowl of soup that is rich in nutrients and satisfying enough to be a meal on its own. The texture of the lentils will provide a nice bite, complemented by the sweetness of the carrots and the depth of the broth. This soup is perfect for batch cooking-make it on a Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: ~$10 (varies by location and ingredient availability)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main or Starter
• Equipment Needed:
  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Zuppa di Lenticchie  here.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Zuppa di Lenticchie  here.

Method

1. Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water and check for any debris or small stones. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed lentils and the diced tomatoes (with their juices). Pour in the broth and season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and check the consistency. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Once the lentils are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Variations and Tips

• Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by ensuring the broth is vegetable-based.
• Spicy Kick: For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.
• Heartier Soup: Add diced potatoes or other vegetables like spinach or kale for additional nutrition and texture.
• Make It Creamy: For a creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Zuppa di Lenticchie  here.

Substitutions for Specific Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is gluten-free as written, but always check your broth for gluten if you’re sensitive.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt to taste.
• Legume Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute lentils with split peas or other legumes.
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Zuppa di Lenticchie  here.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 16g

I hope this guide has made making Zuppa di Lenticchie seem a little less daunting, or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment. Enjoy your cooking journey!