Italian Lentil Soup

Italian Lentil Soup, a delicious healthy One Pot Soup. Made with vegetables and spices this is the perfect Fall / Winter weather Comfort Dish.

Italian Lentil Soup

Lentils are very popular in Italy. Especially at New Years Eve / Day. No house is without a big pot Lentils & Sausage Stew.

Italians are a very superstitious group.  They eat Lentils at Midnight, which represents luck and prosperity in the coming new year.

My mother-in-law always made a delicious homemade Lentil soup with her homemade sausages.  She doesn’t cook anymore. She leaves that up to her daughter.

But I certainly remember the days when we would all get excited with the thought of eating Nonna’s Homemade Pasta, Pizza or Ravioli.  I’m so glad I paid attention.

I think she will approve of this delicious veggie packed Italian Lentil Soup, not only will it hopefully bring you luck but it is also a healthy comfort-food soup for Fall and Winter.

How to make Lentil Soup

• In a large bowl of water soak the lentils for approximately 30 minutes, then drain and rinse.
• In a large pot add the oil, garlic and onion heat on medium heat until onion is transparent, then add the chopped celery, potato, zucchini and carrot, cook for approximately 3 minutes stirring often.

• Then add the lentils, water, bouillon cube (or vegetable broth), spices and bring to a boil then lower the heat to a slow boil.
• Let it slow boil for approximately 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

Do Lentils need to soak?

It isn’t really necessary to soak lentils but I like to let them soak for about  30 minutes, they seem to cook better and are softer.  You can spend that time cutting your veggies.

If you decide not to soak the lentils then just rinse them under cold water before cooking, they may take a bit longer to cook.

How to store Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It can be re-heated on the stove or microwave. It will last up to three to four days in the fridge.

It freezes very well too, freeze in a freezer safe container. The soup will last up to six months in the freezer.

Are Lentils good for you?

All types of Lentils, including brown, green, yellow, red or black are low in calories, rich in iron and folate and an excellent source of protein.

They are rich in health-promoting polyphenols and may help reduce some heart disease risks.

More Delicious Soups

Hearty Chickpea Soup

Easy Homemade Italian Fish Soup

Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup

I hope you give this easy soup a try. I like to serve it with some Homemade Biscuits or sometimes I cut a few slices of bread, top it with shredded cheese.

Then melt the slices in the oven and serve it with a big bowl of this Italian Lentil Soup. Buon Appetito!

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5 from 2 votes

Italian Lentil Soup

Italian Lentil Soup, not only an Italian good luck dish for ushering in the New Year but also healthy and delicious for anytime. 

Course Main Dish, Soup

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Italian Lentil soup, Lentil soup

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Servings 4

Calories 290kcal

Author Rosemary Molloy / An Italian in my Kitchen

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried Lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic chopped
• 1/2 onion chopped
• 1 celery stalk chopped
• 1 medium potato chopped
• 1 small zucchini chopped
• 1 carrot chopped
• 3 cups water*
• 1 bouillon cube (vegetable low sodium)*
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• pinch of thyme
• 1-2 dashes hot pepper flakes to taste if desired

*you can substitute with vegetable broth.

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• In a large bowl of water soak the lentils for approximately 30 minutes, then drain and rinse.
• In a large pot add the oil, garlic and onion heat on medium heat until onion is transparent, then add the chopped celery, potato, zucchini and carrot, cook for approximately 3 minutes stirring often.
• Then add the lentils, water, bouillon cube, oregano, thyme and hot pepper flakes or pepper, stir to combine then bring to a boil, lower the heat to a slow boil.
• Half cover the pot, and let it slow boil for approximately 30 minutes, (stirring occasionally) or until lentils are tender. Enjoy!

Notes

Because the bouillon cube may be salty, do not add any salt until the soup is cooked. Once it is cooked then taste for salt. Add if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 901mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2709IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 6mg

Did you make this recipe?Mention @anitalianinmykitchen or tag #anitalianinmykitchen!

Updated from December 30, 2015.