Craving a delicious and comforting bowl of soup? Look no further! This copycat Carrabba's lentil soup recipe delivers all the warmth and flavor of the restaurant's famous dish, but with the convenience of homemade cooking. It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, perfect for chilly evenings or a satisfying lunch. This easy recipe is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, and packed with flavor. Get ready to experience the best lentil soup recipe you've ever tasted!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 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 freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread (for serving, optional)
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 garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a delicious base for your soup.
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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 about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Season and serve: Once the lentils are cooked, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Rinse your lentils: This helps remove any debris and prevents the soup from becoming too cloudy.
- Don't overcook the lentils: Overcooked lentils can become mushy. Check for tenderness around the 30-minute mark.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any spice to suit your preferences. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds brightness.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy lentil soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Hearty lentil soup: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or pancetta for a richer, more protein-packed soup.
- Vegetarian lentil soup: Ensure your broth is vegetarian-friendly. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fiber: Approximately 15-20g
This delicious and healthy lentil soup is a perfect example of easy recipes that don't compromise on flavor. Enjoy this homemade cooking experience and share this fantastic recipe with your friends and family! It's sure to become a quick dinner idea favorite in your household. This recipe delivers truly delicious dishes, making it one of the best recipes for a comforting and satisfying meal.