Everyday Italian Lentil Soup

Warm, hearty, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Everyday Italian Lentil Soup is a wholesome one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights or comforting lunches. Packed with protein-rich lentils, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs like thyme and oregano, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a nutrient-dense bowl of goodness. A base of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery adds a depth of flavor, while baby spinach and a sprinkle of fresh parsley bring vibrant, fresh notes to the dish. Finished with optional Parmesan cheese for a touch of indulgence, this savory Italian-inspired lentil soup is ready in under an hour and delivers six generous servings. Ideal for vegans (sans cheese) and anyone craving a healthy, filling, and easy meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrot, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Step 6

Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 7

Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2567.3 grams (2567.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1608

Total Fat 59.70g	77%
Saturated Fat 18.00g	90%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.90g
Cholesterol 48mg	16%
Sodium 6850mg	298%
Total Carbohydrate 198.90g	72%
Dietary Fiber 54.50g	195%
Total Sugars 49.00g
Protein 83.40g	167%

Vitamin D 24IU	119%
Calcium 1186mg	91%
Iron 24mg	132%
Potassium 5342mg	114%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.2%

Protein: 20.0%

Carbs: 47.7%