Imagine a soul-warming soup that transports you straight to the rustic kitchens of Tuscany with just one bite! Zuppa di Lenticchie, the classic Italian lentil soup, is not just a meal – it's a culinary journey that combines simple ingredients with extraordinary flavor. Whether you're looking to chase away the winter chills or craving a nutritious and delicious comfort food, this recipe will become your new go-to dish that promises to impress both family and friends.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils and pick out any debris or stones. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery stalks. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine, then add the lentils.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree some or all of the soup to desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve the Zuppa di Lenticchie hot, garnished with a sprinkle of thyme and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Tips
- Lentil Selection: Use fresh, high-quality dried lentils for the best texture and flavor. Brown or green lentils work best for this soup.
- Vegetable Prep: Take time to finely chop your vegetables for even cooking and a more refined texture.
- Blending Technique: For a restaurant-quality soup, blend only a portion of the soup to create a mix of smooth and chunky textures.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't be afraid to taste and adjust seasonings. A pinch of extra thyme or a dash of black pepper can elevate the entire dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and deepen overnight.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and some crusty Italian bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
