Healthy and delicious Italian Lentil Soup bursting with flavour and hearty vegetables. This soup makes a super easy and comforting meal that'll make you feel good inside and out!
First rinse the lentils in cold running water according to packet instructions, set aside.
Roughly chop the carrot, celery and onion and add to a large pot with 1-2 tbsp of olive oil. Saute it slowly on a medium-low heat for around 10 minutes until soft but not browned.
Add the wine and let it simmer until it has reduced by half. Add the lentils (1.5 cups/300g) and stir to coat in the vegetables and wine.
Add the stock (6.5 cups/1.5 litres) and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Turn down to a simmer and simmer it uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the lentils are tender but still have a bite. If the lentils have soaked up too much liquid add more as necessary.
Once cooked, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper. Serve in bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh parsley (optional).
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Notes
Soffritto - soffritto is chopped carrot, celery, and onion, it's used to add a huge amount of flavour to soup and stews. You need to saute it slowly so it softens without browning. If you rush this step you'll lose a lot of the flavour.
Add tomato - you can add a spoonful of tomato paste or canned chopped/whole tomatoes with the stock if you'd like a tomato flavoured lentil soup.
Other veggies to add - you could add cubed potatoes, green beans, kale, zucchini or any other vegetables you like.
White wine - this is added for flavour and I really recommend adding it but you can omit it if you need to.
Herbs - you could also add a sprig of rosemary, thyme, or oregano for added flavour.
Storage - the soup will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.