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Lentil Soup (Italian Vegetable)

Lentil Soup (Italian Vegetable)

This Lentil Soup is packed with fresh veggies and zesty Italian flavors, making it a comforting, protein-rich dish suitable for any day.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot

Ingredients
  

Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 cups diced carrots (3 medium)
  • 1.5 cups diced yellow onions (1 medium)
  • 1.5 tablespoon minced garlic (4 cloves)
  • 1.5 cups diced zucchini (1 medium)
  • 2 cups packed chopped kale or spinach

Liquids

  • 4 cans vegetable broth (14.5 oz each)
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each)

Legumes & Grains

  • 1.25 cups dried brown lentils , rinsed and picked over

Herbs & Spices

  • 1.5 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Finishing Touches

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add carrots and onions and sauté for 2 minutes, then add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes longer.
  • Pour in vegetable broth and tomatoes. Add in lentils, basil, oregano, thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add in zucchini and kale and simmer for 10 minutes longer; if using spinach, wait to add it until the last 2 minutes.
  • Stir in lemon juice and add up to 1 cup of water to thin as needed.
  • Serve warm with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Stick with brown or green lentils or adjust the cooking time. Red lentils cook in over half the cooking time of brown and green. If you don't have the dried herbs listed here, you could also substitute 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning instead of basil, oregano, and thyme. If you are out of vegetable broth, chicken broth will work too. Don't skip the lemon as it adds a nice hint of brightness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 800mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Comfort Food, healthy soup, Lentil Soup, protein rich, Vegetable Soup, Vegetarian
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