Everyday Italian Lentil Soup
Warm, hearty, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Everyday Italian Lentil Soup is a wholesome one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights or comforting lunches. Packed with protein-rich lentils, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs like thyme and oregano, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a nutrient-dense bowl of goodness. A base of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery adds a depth of flavor, while baby spinach and a sprinkle of fresh parsley bring vibrant, fresh notes to the dish. Finished with optional Parmesan cheese for a touch of indulgence, this savory Italian-inspired lentil soup is ready in under an hour and delivers six generous servings. Ideal for vegans (sans cheese) and anyone craving a healthy, filling, and easy meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrot, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt for about 2-3 minutes.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1544 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.6 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.7 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 30 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 5861 mg | 255% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 208.3 g | 76% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 55.8 g | 199% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.6 g | ||
| Protein | 77.3 g | 155% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 943 mg | 73% | |
| Iron | 22.6 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 5751 mg | 122% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
