Hearty Italian Lentil Soup - A Comforting and Nutritious Meal

This Hearty Italian Lentil Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that will warm you up on a cold winter day. Made with wholesome ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and herbs, this soup is packed with flavor and goodness. It is a perfect choice for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or to serve as a comforting lunch. The combination of Italian herbs and spices gives this soup a unique taste that will satisfy your cravings. Prepare this soup in just 30 minutes and enjoy a hearty and filling meal.

Ingredients

• Lentils - 1 cup, rinsed
• Vegetable broth - 4 cups
• Carrots - 2, diced
• Celery - 2 stalks, diced
• Onion - 1, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Canned diced tomatoes - 1 can (14 oz)
• Dried Italian herbs - 1 tablespoon
• Bay leaf - 1
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh parsley - for garnish

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
4. Add lentils, vegetable broth, canned diced tomatoes, bay leaf, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Interesting Facts