Zuppa di Lenticchie e Patate (Italian Lentil and Potato Soup)
Zuppa di Lenticchie e Patate
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils green or brown
- 2 medium potatoes diced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups vegetable stock or chicken stock
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Lentils
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and pick out any debris. Set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Potatoes and Lentils
- Stir in the diced potatoes and rinsed lentils. Let them coat in the aromatic mixture for a minute.
- Simmer the Soup
- Pour in the vegetable stock and water. Add the thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
- Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more water or stock to reach your desired consistency.
- Let it Stand
- Turn off the heat and let the soup stand for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove the bay leaf.
- Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
- Variations and Tips
- For a Creamier Soup: Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender and stir it back in for a creamy texture.
- Make It Vegan: Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- Add Protein: For extra protein, add diced sausage or pancetta while sautéing the aromatics.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitutions:
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweet flavor.
- Replace lentils with split peas for a different texture and taste.
Zuppa di Lenticchie e Patate is a hearty, comforting dish from Italy that embodies the simplicity and warmth of Italian home cooking. This rustic soup combines tender lentils, creamy potatoes, and aromatic herbs for a nutrient-packed meal that’s perfect for chilly days. From my own personal experience, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome yet easy to make. Let me show you how I make Zuppa di Lenticchie e Patate.
Notes on What to Expect When Making Zuppa di Lenticchie e Patate
- Ease of Preparation
This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any advanced cooking techniques. Most of the effort lies in chopping the vegetables, but once everything is prepped, the soup comes together easily. - Aromatic and Cozy Smells
As the soup simmers, your kitchen will fill with the inviting aroma of garlic, herbs, and vegetables. It’s a comforting scent that signals a hearty meal is on the way. - Versatility
You can expect a recipe that’s highly adaptable to your preferences. Whether you want to keep it simple and vegan or add a twist like sausage or extra spices, this soup allows room for creativity. - Thick and Hearty Texture
The potatoes naturally break down a bit as they cook, thickening the soup. Combined with the lentils, the result is a satisfying and velvety consistency. - Slightly Time-Consuming for Lentils
While the lentils cook fairly quickly, dried ones still require a good 30-35 minutes of simmering. Be prepared for this cook time, but know it’s largely hands-off, allowing you to multitask. - Budget-Friendly and Nourishing
Expect a recipe that uses simple, affordable ingredients while delivering a nutrient-rich and filling meal. It’s great for feeding a family or making ahead for meal prep. - Adjustments Along the Way
The soup thickens as it cools, so you may need to add a splash of stock or water when reheating. Additionally, don’t hesitate to taste and adjust seasonings to suit your palate.
Making this soup is a gratifying experience, leaving you with a pot full of wholesome, Italian-inspired comfort food to enjoy.
Recipe Details
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Course or Starter
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Ease of Cooking: Beginner-friendly
- Servings: 4
- Calories (Per Serving): ~290
- Cost of Ingredients: Budget-friendly (~$10-$15)
Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Zuppa di Lenticchie e patate now.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Zuppa di Lenticchie e patate now.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Lentils
Rinse the lentils under cold water and pick out any debris. Set aside. - Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. - Add Potatoes and Lentils
Stir in the diced potatoes and rinsed lentils. Let them coat in the aromatic mixture for a minute. - Simmer the Soup
Pour in the vegetable stock and water. Add the thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender. - Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more water or stock to reach your desired consistency. - Let it Stand
Turn off the heat and let the soup stand for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove the bay leaf. - Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
Variations and Tips
- For a Creamier Soup: Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender and stir it back in for a creamy texture.
- Make It Vegan: Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- Add Protein: For extra protein, add diced sausage or pancetta while sautéing the aromatics.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitutions:
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweet flavor.
- Replace lentils with split peas for a different texture and taste.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Zuppa di Lenticchie e patate now.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: ~290
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 6g
Notes on What to Expect
This Zuppa di Lenticchie e Patate is thick, hearty, and infused with a depth of flavor from the herbs and aromatics. The potatoes add a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the lentils provide a satisfying earthiness. The soup is both filling and nutritious, making it a great choice for a cozy family meal.
Closing
I hope this guide has made preparing Zuppa di Lenticchie e Patate seem a little less daunting. Have you tried making this dish before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from real people like you, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or tips. Buon appetito! 🍲
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>
