How to Make Hearty Italian Lentil Soup - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hearty lentil soup on a cold winter's day. This Italian-inspired recipe is not only delicious, but it's also packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Whether you're looking for a satisfying meal to warm you up on a chilly evening, or just want to add a nutritious dish to your weekly menu, this Hearty Italian Lentil Soup is sure to hit the spot.

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. With just...

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup lentils
  • 1 ⅓ quarts water, divided
  • ⅔ cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 tablespoons Italian bread crumbs
  • salt, to taste
  • ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 quart tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Place lentils in a pot with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
  • Bring rice and 1 1/3 cup water to boil in a pot. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, garlic, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, parsley, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Form ground beef mixture into 1 inch balls. Place meatballs in skillet and cook 5 minutes or until evenly brown.
  • In a large pot, bring the tomato sauce and 4 cups water to a boil. Transfer the browned meatballs to the pot. Mix in cooked lentils and rice. Return to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese to serve.
  • Nutrition

    324 cal.

    • Total Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 61mg
    • Sodium: 787mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 34g
    • Dietary Fiber: 7g
    • Total Sugars: 6g
    • Protein: 21g
    • Vitamin C: 10mg
    • Calcium: 92mg
    • Iron: 5mg
    • Potassium: 787mg