Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is a very nutritious and comforting traditional dish, perfect for colder days. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig of rosemary or 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• 1 can of peeled tomatoes (400 g)
• 1.5 liters of vegetable or chicken broth
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Rinse the lentils well in cold water and drain them.
2. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion in extra virgin olive oil until it becomes translucent.
3. Add carrots, celery, and garlic and continue to sauté for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the lentils, bay leaf, rosemary sprig, crushed canned tomatoes with a fork, and the broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Remove the bay leaf and rosemary sprig before serving.

The thickness of the soup can be varied according to personal taste: if you prefer it creamier, you can blend part of the lentils with an immersion blender. Serve the soup hot, maybe with a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil and some crusty bread.

Fun Facts

Lentils, in addition to being very tasty, are rich in nutrients such as proteins, fibers, and iron. In Italy, in particular, it is a tradition to eat lentils on New Year’s Eve because they are said to bring good fortune and money.