Craving a warm, comforting bowl of goodness on a chilly evening? Look no further! This Bertucci's-inspired lentil soup recipe is a delicious and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. It’s surprisingly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and packed with protein and fiber, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. This quick dinner idea is a testament to the magic of homemade cooking, delivering a restaurant-quality experience without the restaurant prices. Get ready to experience the best recipes – right in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the lentils and broth: Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
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Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for the Best Lentil Soup:
- Don't overcook the lentils: Overcooked lentils can become mushy. Start checking for tenderness around the 30-minute mark.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. A bay leaf adds another layer of flavor.
- Add other vegetables: Enhance the soup with other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or potatoes. Add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Make it creamy: For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
Delicious Variations:
- Italian Sausage Lentil Soup: Brown 1 pound of Italian sausage before adding the vegetables for a heartier and more flavorful soup.
- Lemon-Herb Lentil Soup: Add the zest and juice of one lemon during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a bright and zesty twist.
- Spicy Lentil Soup: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields about 6 servings. Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients used. However, a typical serving provides a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. It is a naturally low-fat and low-sodium option, easily adaptable to dietary needs.
This Bertucci's-inspired lentil soup is a perfect example of delicious and healthy food that's easy to make at home. It's a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!