Description
This Authentic Italian Lentil Soup is hearty, wholesome, and deeply satisfying. Packed with protein-rich lentils, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and simmered in a rich tomato broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food for cold nights. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly, this soup is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 ½ cups green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf; cook 1–2 minutes more.
- Add Lentils & Tomatoes: Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste until combined.
- Simmer: Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover partially and simmer 30–35 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Remove bay leaf. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Add extra broth if too thick.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and finish with Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Rinse lentils before cooking to remove grit.
- Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
- Let soup rest 10 minutes before serving to deepen flavor.
- Make ahead—the flavor improves the next day.
- Add greens like spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Italian Lentil Soup, Hearty Lentil Soup, Mediterranean Lentil Soup, Cozy Vegan Soup, Healthy Dinner Recipe