Imagine a soul-warming dish that transports you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy, packed with nutrition and flavor that will make your taste buds dance! This slow-cooked Italian Lentil Soup is not just a meal, it's a culinary journey that combines simple ingredients into a masterpiece of comfort food. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a hearty, nutritious meal that practically cooks itself, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner solution.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the dried lentils under cold running water to remove any dust or debris. Set them aside to drain.
- In a large slow cooker, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped carrot, and chopped celery. These vegetables will form the aromatic base of your soup.
- Next, add the rinsed lentils to the slow cooker along with the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) and the 4 cups of vegetable broth. This will create a hearty and flavorful soup.
- Sprinkle in the dried basil and dried oregano, which will infuse the soup with classic Italian flavors. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can adjust the seasoning later if needed, so start with a small amount.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the lentils to become tender.
- After 6 hours, check the soup for seasoning and adjust with additional salt and pepper if necessary. If the soup is thicker than you prefer, you can add a little more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the soup is ready, serve it hot in bowls. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Italian lentil soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal!
Tips
- Always rinse your lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and prevent a gritty texture.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a pan with a bit of olive oil before adding to the slow cooker.
- Use fresh herbs if possible - they can elevate the soup's flavor profile significantly.
- Don't rush the cooking process. The slow cooker allows flavors to develop and lentils to become perfectly tender.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot during the last hour of cooking.
- This soup freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a large batch for future meals.
- Experiment with toppings like a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or some fresh chopped herbs to personalize your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 71kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 5g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
