Hearty Italian Lentil Soup

This homemade hearty Italian lentil soup is perfect for a cold winter night. It’s hearty and filling, and the aroma will fill your kitchen with comfort. Add your favorite bread, and you have a delicious and satisfying meal.

This soup is so simple to make. The key ingredient is a cup of lentils, along with diced onions, carrots, and celery. What makes this soup special? Its versatility! I use any type of ground meat, my favorite is ground lamb! I like to make my own beef broth to add into this recipe. It gives the soup a much higher nutritional value, as opposed to store-bought broth. In a pinch, store-bought will do just fine.

Why you will love this recipe 

• Nutrient Dense & delicious!
• Versatile, You can use up what you have on hand in your kitchen. Sometimes, I like to substitute the baby kale with baby spinach.
• Make your own broth to enhance nutritional value. Check out my meat broth recipe!
• This is “almost” a one pot meal. You have to cook the lentils in a separate pot before adding to the soup. Otherwise the rest of the soup is made in one large pot.
• It’s comforting and hearty! Lets face it. My family is not a fan of what they call “watery” soup. So anytime I make a soup, I always make sure to make it so they have spoon fulls of hearty delicious soup!

Tips for making Hearty Italian Lentil Soup

Ingredients

Meat Variations

In this soup the most flavorful meat option is Italian sausage. But, in this recipe ground meat can be used as well. Some of my favorites are ground beef and lamb.

If you choose to use ground chicken or turkey, you will have to substitute the beef broth for chicken broth. This will still make for a delicious hearty soup. Whenever I substitute the Italian sausage, I like to add in some Italian seasoning mix to add more flavor as the flavor will be more mild.

Broth

Anytime I make soup, I always like to make my own broth. Whether I am making chicken or beef broth, I always have bones on hand in my freezer for recipes like this one. Simply add your bones to a stock pot along with mineral salt, bay leaves and peppercorns. For chicken broth simmer for 90 minutes or so, and for beef broth simmer for about 3 hours. Pretty soon you will have a beautiful nutrient dense broth to add to your soup!

Vegetables

Aromatic vegetables are the heart of this rustic soup. The recipe includes onions, carrots, and celery. These ingredients, sautéed in olive oil, create a rich base. Garlic, a key ingredient in Italian cooking, adds depth and warmth to the broth.

Lets make the soup even more flavorful, the recipe suggests:

• Using chopped fresh parsley leaves
• Adding 5 medium cloves of garlic
• Including 1 medium onion (I like to use two)
• Incorporating 3 large carrots and 3 stalks of celery

For an extra taste, consider adding a Parmesan while the soup simmers. This optional ingredient adds a subtle, savory flavor that goes well with the lentils and vegetables. Remember, fresh herbs and aromatic vegetables are essential for a truly authentic and flavorful Italian lentil soup.

Hungry for More?

How to Make Hearty Italian Lentil Soup

Step 1

Rinse lentils to wash away any debris. Bring a small sauce pan to a boil then add the lentils. Simmer for 25 minutes or until the lentils are soft but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the lentils are cooking, start cooking the meat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Brown well until cooked through, then transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel.

Step 3

Return the pot to medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots, celery and cook for another 5 minutes. Then add garlic, beef broth, tomatoes, dried herbs and cooked meat to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Once vegetables are tender add in the cooked lentils and baby kale. Enjoy!

Storage and Freezing Tips

Learning how to store lentil soup right means you can enjoy it for days. Here are the best ways to keep your soup fresh and tasty.

Refrigeration Guidelines

Put leftover lentil soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This is perfect for short-term storage, letting you enjoy your soup all week.

Freezer Storage Methods

Freezing is the best option for long-term storage. You can freeze your soup for up to 6 months. Here are some tips for freezing soup:

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags
• Freeze in ice cube trays for portion control
• Leave space for expansion when freezing
• Freeze within 3 days of cooking for best results

Reheating Instructions

When it’s time to enjoy your frozen soup, follow these reheating tips:

1. Thaw in the fridge overnight or for 4-6 hours
2. Reheat on the stove top over medium-low heat
3. Use a microwave for quick reheating
4. Ensure the soup reaches 165°F for safe consumption
5. Add fresh herbs or a splash of lemon juice to brighten flavors

Remember, creamy soups reheat best over low heat. For hearty Italian soups, medium-low heat works well. With these tips, you’ll always have a delicious bowl of lentil soup ready to warm you up.

Prepare Ahead of Time

This Italian lentil soup is great for meal prep. Its flavors get better with time, making it even tastier the next day. Make a big batch on Sunday for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

• Cook a double recipe using 2 cups of lentils
• Let the soup cool completely
• Divide into portion-sized containers
• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months

When you’re ready to eat, just reheat your soup. You can add fresh spinach or quick-cooking veggies for a fresh twist. This simple trick makes your soup feel new again.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Improve your lentil soup with these Italian techniques. Choose the best seasonal ingredients. Carrots with leafy tops add sweetness. Fresh bay leaves give a light, lemony flavor.

Add a Parmesan rind for a rich flavor.

No soaking is needed for lentils. This makes the soup quick and easy. Add potatoes, leeks, and kale for extra nutrition.

Follow these tips for a delicious Italian lentil soup. It makes 6 servings, great for groups or meal prep. Enjoy your tasty and healthy soup!

FAQ

What are the key ingredients for this soup?

The key ingredients include extra-virgin olive oil and aromatics like onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. You also need Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and canned tomatoes. Add vegetable or chicken broth, red pepper flakes, and lentils. Don’t forget baby spinach, fresh parsley.

What type of lentils should I use?

Brown or green lentils are best for this soup. They keep their shape and texture when cooked. They cook in about 30 minutes without soaking. They’re rich in protein, fiber, iron, folate, and zinc.

How long does it take to cook this soup?

It takes about an hour to cook. This includes sautéing aromatics, adding ingredients, and simmering for 30 minutes. The lentils become tender during this time.

Can I customize this soup?

Absolutely! You can add Italian sausage, ground beef, or chicken for a non-vegetarian version. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, fennel, or zucchini.

How should I store leftovers?

Store the soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, leave out the cheese and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave room for expansion.

Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes, this lentil soup is perfect for meal prep. The flavors get better over time, making it delicious the next day. You can make a big batch for easy weekday meals.

What are some pro tips for making the best lentil soup?

Use high-quality seasonal ingredients and choose carrots with leafy tops for a sweeter flavor. Use fresh bay leaves and consider adding a Parmesan for extra flavor. Always have extra stock on hand to adjust the soup’s consistency.