Cheap And Easy Soup! Italian Lentil Soup
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How to Make Italian Lentil Soup on a Budget
If you’re looking for a delicious, nutritious, and budget-friendly meal, Italian lentil soup is a fantastic choice! This hearty soup is packed with flavor, protein, and fiber, making it not only satisfying but also incredibly healthy.
Plus, it’s a great way to make use of pantry staples and fresh vegetables without breaking the bank. In this post, I’ll share a simple recipe for making the best Italian lentil soup, along with some tips and tricks to customize it to your taste.
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Why Choose Italian Lentil Soup?
Italian lentil soup is a perfect dish for those seeking a filling yet inexpensive meal. Lentils are affordable, versatile, and rich in nutrients such as iron, protein, and fiber.
This makes them a great option for vegetarians and anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals.
Additionally, lentils cook quickly and don't require soaking, making them a convenient choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients for Italian Lentil Soup
To make this cheap and easy Italian lentil soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Lentils: Brown or green lentils work best for this recipe because they hold their shape well when cooked.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding a bit of healthy fat.
- Onion, Carrot, and Celery: These are the classic base vegetables for many soups, adding depth and flavor.
- Garlic: Essential for that classic Italian taste.
- Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes add a nice acidity and richness to the soup.
- Vegetable Broth: This forms the base of the soup, adding flavor and moisture. Chicken broth can also be used if you’re not making it vegetarian.
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary gives the soup its distinctive Italian flavor.
- Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle earthiness to the soup.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
- Spinach or Kale (Optional): Adding greens like spinach or kale can boost the nutritional value of the soup.
- Parmesan Cheese (Optional): For serving, if you want a cheesy finish.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Italian Lentil Soup
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Start by chopping the onion, carrot, and celery into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Lentils and Broth
Rinse the lentils under cold water and add them to the pot along with the canned tomatoes (with their juices) and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Season the Soup
Add the Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the soup.
5. Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. If you’re adding greens like spinach or kale, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. Adjust Seasonings and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Italian Lentil Soup
- Choose the Right Lentils: Brown and green lentils are the best choices for this soup because they hold their shape well and don’t turn mushy. Red lentils cook faster and are better for thicker, pureed soups.
- Enhance the Flavor with Fresh Herbs: While dried Italian seasoning is convenient, adding fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme at the end of cooking can give the soup a burst of fresh flavor.
- Use Homemade Broth: If you have homemade vegetable or chicken broth on hand, use it! It will add a deeper, richer flavor to the soup.
- Add a Dash of Vinegar or Lemon Juice: A splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking can brighten up the flavors and add a nice tang to the soup.
- Make it a Complete Meal: Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread or over a scoop of brown rice or quinoa to make it even more filling.
- Double the Recipe for Meal Prep: This soup freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for a quick and easy meal later on.
Variations of Italian Lentil Soup
- Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup: Add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes to make the soup even heartier and more nutritious.
- Spicy Italian Lentil Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
- Creamy Lentil Soup: For a creamier version, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender, then stir it back into the pot.
- Meat Lover’s Lentil Soup: Add some diced pancetta, sausage, or ground beef for a meatier version of the soup. Cook the meat first, then remove it from the pot before sautéing the vegetables. Add it back in with the lentils and broth.
How to Store and Reheat Italian Lentil Soup
Italian lentil soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side of Bread: A slice of garlic bread or a hunk of crusty Italian bread is perfect for dipping into this flavorful soup.
- Over a Bed of Grains: Serve the soup over brown rice, quinoa, or farro for an even heartier meal.
- With a Fresh Salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad or a Caprese salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
With these tips and this easy recipe, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of Italian lentil soup anytime, without spending a lot of money or time in the kitchen.
This soup is perfect for meal prepping, weeknight dinners, or serving a crowd. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the satisfaction of making a healthy, homemade meal that everyone will love!
Feel free to share your own variations or tips in the comments below. Let’s keep cooking and sharing delicious, budget-friendly recipes together!
Enjoy this Easy video tutorial about Lentil Soup
Source: Sip and Feast
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