If you’ve ever dined at a traditional Italian eatery, you might have encountered the delightful experience of tasting Zuppa di Lenticchie, a rich and nourishing lentil soup. This classic Italian dish is not only comforting but also impressively quick and easy to prepare, making it the perfect soup for those moments when you find yourself simply craving a warm, hearty bowl.
### Introduction to Zuppa di Lenticchie
With only nine basic ingredients, this vegan rendition of the soup is both straightforward and delightful. Dive into the realm of Italian cooking with us as we guide you in creating this flavorful dish.
Zuppa di Lenticchie translates from Italian to English as “lentil soup.” Its simplicity is reflected in the name and the recipe itself, as it features just a few fundamental ingredients. While various versions exist, typically including onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and lentils, some recipes boast Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, and a range of Italian spices and herbs.
Our version simplifies the dish even further, skipping dairy and tomatoes while retaining its satisfying taste. For a traditional approach, chef Benedetta Rossi’s [classic recipe](https://www.fattoincasadabenedetta.it/ricetta/zuppa-di-lenticchie/) provides a fantastic alternative.
### Crafting the Perfect Italian Lentil Soup
Begin your Zuppa di Lenticchie journey with the simple base of finely chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic sautéed in olive oil. We season this mix with salt, pepper, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a touch of warmth.
In lieu of celery, consider substituting fennel seeds, which offer a subtle licorice flavor and a hint of sweetness for a unique twist.
Green or brown lentils work best in this recipe due to their firm texture, which stands up well to the minimalistic seasoning, unlike red lentils.
Your choice of liquid completes the dish. We recommend using water to keep it cost-effective and simple, but vegetable or bone broth are also excellent options to infuse more flavor.
Allow the lentils to simmer until soft and aromatic, and soon enough, you’ll have a bowl of delicious Zuppa di Lenticchie ready to enjoy!
This soup is sure to become a favorite as it boasts numerous benefits — it’s brothy, warming, nourishing, packed with fiber, and lightning quick to make. Enjoy the comfort of Italian cuisine any day of the week with this satisfying soup.## Delightful and Easy Italian Lentil Soup Recipe
This Italian Lentil Soup, also known as Zuppa di Lenticchie, is a fantastic dish that can easily be made with essential pantry ingredients. Not only is it quick and straightforward to prepare, but it is also incredibly delicious. This soup works wonderfully as a side dish and pairs beautifully with Italian-inspired main courses. Consider serving it alongside **Italian Herb Tofu Wraps** or **Pesto Baked Chicken Thighs** for a delightful meal. Alternatively, you can make it the centerpiece of your meal by pairing it with wholesome sides like **Fluffy Vegan Spelt Rolls**, **Artisan Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls**, or the **Best Vegan Garlic Bread**.
### Discover More Lentil Soup Recipes
If you give this recipe a try, we’d love to hear about your experience! Drop us a comment, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to share a picture by tagging [@minimalistbaker](https://www.instagram.com/minimalistbaker/) on Instagram. Happy cooking, friends!
This vibrant image shows a spoonful of comforting Italian lentil soup, inviting you to enjoy a warm bowl of this nutritious vegan meal.
### Recipe Details
– **Prep Time:** 20 minutes
– **Cook Time:** 20 minutes
– **Total Time:** 40 minutes
– **Servings:** 4 side servings
### Recipe Categories
– **Course:** Entrée, Side
– **Cuisine:** Gluten-Free, Italian-Inspired, Vegan
– **Freezer-Friendly:** 1 month
– **Storage:** Keeps for 3-4 days
### Cooking Tips
Prevent your screen from going dark by switching on Cook Mode while preparing this recipe.
### Ingredients
– 3 Tbsp olive oil
– 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (~1 ½ cups or 180 g)
– 1 medium carrot, finely diced (~1/2 cup or 90 g)
This straightforward ingredient list reflects the simplicity of the dish, showcasing its reliance on everyday items most households have on hand. Enjoy crafting this delightful Italian dish and savor its comforting flavors and nourishing qualities.### Ingredients
– **Celery:** 2 large stalks, finely diced, yielding approximately 1/2 cup or 70 grams. Alternatively, you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of fennel seeds.
– **Garlic:** 4 medium cloves, either pressed or finely minced.
– **Sea Salt:** 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon.
– **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, ground.
– **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon.
– **Lentils:** 1 cup of dry lentils, preferably green or brown, as red lentils are not suitable for this recipe.
– **Water:** 4 to 5 cups, or you can use vegetable or bone broth to increase flavor while omitting or reducing the salt quantity.
### Instructions
1. **Sauté the Vegetables**
Begin by heating oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Once the oil is warm, add the onions, stirring occasionally, to coat them evenly in oil. Cook them for around 3 to 5 minutes until they become translucent. Next, add your carrots, celery, garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the oil is mostly absorbed and the mixture starts to brown and caramelize.
2. **Cook the Lentils**
Stir in the dry lentils, making sure they are well-coated with oil and mixed with the vegetables. Pour in the water, starting with the lesser amount, and mix thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the lentils become tender and the soup thickens. Stir occasionally to guarantee even cooking and add water as needed to maintain your preferred soup consistency.
3. **Serve and Enjoy**
Serve the soup warm with a drizzle of olive oil, freshly chopped parsley, or vegan parmesan cheese on top, if desired. It pairs wonderfully with rolls or garlic bread. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze them for a month or longer.
### Notes
– This recipe can also be prepared using an Instant Pot. After sautéing the ingredients, seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 5 to 6 minutes with brown lentils or 7 to 8 minutes with green lentils. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
– Nutritional details are estimated, calculated with the minimum salt amount, and exclusive of optional toppings.
### Nutrition Information
– **Serving Size:** 1 serving
– **Calories:** 289
– **Carbohydrates:** 37.5 grams
– **Protein:** 12.7 grams
– **Fat:** 10.8 grams
– **Saturated Fat:** 1.5 grams
These revamped instructions and ingredients ensure a smooth cooking process and a delicious, soup. Enjoy every bite!### Understanding the Nutritional Content
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.4 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 327 mg
Potassium: 512 mg
Fiber: 6.8 g
Sugar: 4.2 g
Vitamin A: 649 IU
Vitamin C: 7.4 mg
Calcium: 43 mg
Iron: 3.4 mg
These nutritional values are based on a particular serving size, providing essential information for those who are mindful of their dietary intake. With no trans fats or cholesterol, and a healthy balance of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, this product offers a heart-healthy option. The high fiber content supports digestion, while the vitamins and minerals contribute to overall health. The presence of Vitamin A and C, as well as Iron, further enhance its nutritional profile.
For those interested in the full recipe, you can [click here](https://minimalistbaker.com/italian-lentil-soup-zuppa-di-lenticchie/) for more details.
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