Italian Lentil Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s simple, healthy, and full of Mediterranean flavor. 🍲
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils (rinsed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. - Add garlic & seasonings
Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. - Add lentils & liquids
Add lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, and bay leaf. Stir well. - Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30–35 minutes, until lentils are tender. - Finish the soup
Stir in spinach or kale and cook 5 more minutes. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper. - Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
💡 Tips
- Add Italian sausage or ground beef for a heartier soup.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread.
- The soup tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
If you want, I can also show you an authentic Italian nonna-style lentil soup (very rustic and extra flavorful) that many families in Italy make. 🇮🇹🍲
