Italian Lentil Soup
A hearty Italian lentil soup packed with tender lentils, vegetables, and tomato flavors, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for vegetarians and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large kettle, boil lentils in water for 30 minutes.
- Add carrots, celery (if using), olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Continue boiling slowly for 2 to 3 hours, until desired thickness is reached.
- During the last 30 minutes, add tomato sauce, marjoram, rice, noodles, or broken spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If you're out of marjoram, oregano can be a good substitute. Adjust the consistency by adding more water or cooking longer. This Italian lentil soup pairs beautifully with rustic bread or a side salad dressed with Mamma'S Italian Dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. It goes wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a light side salad. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light risotto or a simple pasta dish. This soup is also excellent as a starter for Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen over time. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the soup has thickened too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Lentil Soup contains roughly 2628 calories, with 52g protein, 374g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (104% of the Daily Value), iron (86% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned lentils instead of dry lentils?
Yes, you can use canned lentils to save time. However, reduce the cooking time significantly and add them during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to warm them through without overcooking.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables. You can also serve it with a dash of hot sauce on top for an extra kick.
Is this soup suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This Italian lentil soup is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. It's a nutritious and hearty option for anyone following a vegan diet, packed with protein and fiber from the lentils.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).