Zuppa di Lenticchie Soup Recipe

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This hearty Italian lentil soup is packed with rustic flavors and traditional charm. Prepared with simple vegetables, lentils, and olive oil, it makes a wholesome and comforting dish. Enjoy its satisfying texture, earthy flavor, and nourishing quality. Zuppa di Lenticchie is perfect for family meals or cozy dinners, offering both nutrition and taste in every delightful spoonful.

Why You Will Love the Zuppa di Lenticchie Soup Recipe

This Italian soup is loved for its balanced nutrition, affordability, and ease of preparation. It’s a dish that comforts and nourishes, making it a staple for many families.

• Quick preparation with minimal ingredients.
• Healthy balance of protein, fiber, and minerals.
• Cozy, rustic flavor that feels like home.
• Budget-friendly and easy to customize.
• Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You Will Need

Gather these ingredients to prepare an authentic Zuppa di Lenticchie at home.

• 1½ cups dried green or brown lentils (≈300 g)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups (1.5 L) vegetable or chicken stock
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
  

How to Cook Zuppa di Lenticchie Soup

Follow these easy steps to create this flavorful Italian soup.

Step 1: Prepare the soffritto

Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook on medium heat until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to release their rich aromas.

Step 2: Add lentils and bay leaf

Stir in dried lentils and the bay leaf. Coat them with the vegetable mixture. This allows the flavors to blend early, creating a rich foundation for the soup.

Step 3: Pour in stock and simmer

Add stock, season lightly, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 35–40 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.

Step 4: Finish and serve

Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaf, then ladle into bowls. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle fresh parsley before serving hot with crusty bread.

Zuppa di Lenticchie

Zuppa di Lenticchie is a traditional Italian lentil soup that’s hearty, wholesome, and naturally comforting. Featuring a classic soffritto base, tender lentils, and fresh herbs, this dish is simple, nutritious, and deeply flavorful.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 5 Servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1½ cups dried green or brown lentils ≈300 g
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 carrot chopped
• 1 celery stalk chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups 1.5 L vegetable or chicken stock
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil, then sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened and fragrant.
2. Stir in lentils and bay leaf, coating them with the aromatic base.
3. Add stock, season lightly, bring to a boil, then simmer for 35–40 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, then ladle into bowls. Garnish with parsley and drizzle with olive oil.

Notes

For extra richness, stir in pancetta with the soffritto or add diced potatoes. The soup also freezes well—perfect for meal prep and enjoying later.

Serving Tips for Zuppa di Lenticchie Soup

Enhance this soup with thoughtful serving ideas that make it even more inviting.

• Serve with crusty bread or garlic croutons.
• Top with Parmesan or vegan cheese.
• Add a squeeze of lemon for freshness.
• Garnish with parsley or fresh herbs.
• Pair with a crisp green salad for balance.
  

Nutritional Benefits of Zuppa di Lenticchie Soup

This nourishing Italian soup provides exceptional health benefits. Lentils are rich in plant protein, fiber, iron, and folate, which promote energy and digestion. Adding onions, carrots, and celery supplies antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that boost immunity and wellness. 

Olive oil contributes healthy fats that support heart health. Together, these ingredients create a wholesome dish that balances taste with nutrition. Zuppa di Lenticchie is satisfying and an excellent choice for a well-rounded diet.

Conclusion

Zuppa di Lenticchie delivers warmth, nutrition, and traditional Italian flavor in every spoonful. It’s a wholesome recipe that comforts and nourishes with simple ingredients and easy preparation. Enjoy this soup for family meals anytime.