Italian Lentil Soup
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A hearty and healthy Italian lentil soup with a rich tomato-herb broth and tender greens. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
- Author: purejoyalex
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional)
- 4 cups chopped kale or spinach
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Crusty bread, for serving
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Add the Parmesan rind, if using.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Remove the Parmesan rind. Stir in the kale or spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the Parmesan rind.
- This soup is great for meal planning and can be made ahead.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg