Why We Love This Tuscan Lentil Soup Recipe
When you hear the word Tuscan in a recipe title, what do you think of… Tomatoes? Parmesan cheese? Maybe even kale? How about Tuscan Lentil Soup! I bet lentils did not immediately come to mind… However, believe it or not, lentils are a traditional ingredient in Italian countryside cooking. Today we are pairing them with other wholesome Tuscan ingredients like rosemary, basil, garlic, and a host of garden produce. (That does, of course, include tomatoes and kale. wink) The texture is hearty and filling, speckled with carrots, celery, and potatoes. Lentils are a fabulous fiber-filled ingredient to keep your belly feeling full and satisfied! These plant-based foods stew together into the most luxurious, yet rustic, vegetarian and vegan stew you’ve ever tasted. Who needs meat when you can make veggies taste this good!
Ingredients You Need
Olive oil – or other neutral-flavored high heat oil, like avocado or canola oil Onion – peeled and chopped Celery – chopped Garlic – the more the merrier Carrots – chopped, peeled or not Russet potato – chopped into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes Fresh rosemary leaves – or dried rosemary Lentils – green (brown) variety hold their shape better Crushed tomatoes – regular or low sodium Vegetable broth – to keep this a vegetarian soup Kale – you can go with Tuscan kale or any variety that looks fresh Basil leaves – fresh for the best taste Shaved parmesan – to garnish, optional
Can I Turn This Recipe Into Red Lentil Soup?
Yes, if you are a big red lentil fan, you can swap the green lentils for dried red lentils, then reduce the stovetop cook time to 20 minutes. Reduce the Instant Pot cook time to 12 minutes. And reduce both the high and low slow cooker times by 1 hour. The biggest difference is the lentil texture. Green lentils tend to hold their shape better, while red lentils turn very soft and silky.
How To Make the Best Italian Lentil Soup Recipe
Chop all the produce. Rinse and drain the dried lentils. Saute the oil, onion, celery, and garlic in a large pot over medium heat. Next add in the carrots, potatoes, rosemary, lentils, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and stir, then cover. Simmer until the lentils are soft. Then stir in the kale and basil right before serving.
Instant Pot Lentil Soup?
Normally, I make this vegetarian Lentil Soup recipe on the stovetop. However, it’s just as easy to make in your Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker! To make Instant Pot Lentil Soup, just be sure you have at least a 6 quart pressure cooker, so the whole recipe fits in the pot.
What About Crock Pot Lentil Soup?
Oh, we didn’t forget our good ol’ beloved crockpot. You can adjust this soup for the slow cooker as well. To make vegan Slow Cooker Lentil Soup, be sure to sauté the veggies on the stovetop first. Then dump in remaining ingredients into the crockpot, except the kale and basil. Slow cook for 5-6 hours on high or 8-9 hours on low. Then stir in the fresh greens!
Serving Suggestions
This warm and cozy Tuscan soup recipe is a dream for dipping in a piece (or two!) of crusty bread. We absolutely love our Olive Garden inspired homemade breadsticks and classic garlic bread recipes! A crisp green salad is the perfect way to round out an Italian-style meal! Try our caprese panzanella or traditional caesar salad recipes for an easy side dish with plenty of freshness.
Looking for More Perfectly Simple Soup Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
Spicy Southwest Pumpkin Soup Vegetarian Navy Bean Soup Japanese Clear Soup Vegan Creamy Golden Soup Buffalo Cauliflower Soup Tomato Potato White Bean Soup Healthy Tomato Bisque
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