Garlicky Italian Lentil Spaghetti Soup
Delve into the heart of Italian cuisine with this delightful Garlicky Italian Lentil Spaghetti Soup. This hearty soup combines the earthy goodness of lentils, vivid vegetables, and spaghetti, all harmonized by a rich garlic flavor. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or a comforting family meal, making it a wonderful dish to share with loved ones. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrition, this soup is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings warmth and contentment to your dining table.
6
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry lentils
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
large onion
1 (minced)
carrots
2 (diced)
celery ribs
2 (sliced)
large garlic cloves
6 (minced)
canned chopped tomato puree
2 cups (measured)
spaghetti
4 ounces (broken into 2-inch lengths)
spinach
2 cups (sliced)
olive oil
1/4 cup (plus a drizzle for serving)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large kettle, combine the rinsed lentils, minced onion, diced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, and canned tomato puree. Pour in 2 quarts of water.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the kettle, and allow it to simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
3
After the hour has passed, season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the broken spaghetti and sliced spinach to the kettle. Stir gently to incorporate.
4
Continue simmering for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the spaghetti is tender and fully cooked.
5
Once cooked, drain any excess liquid if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and add a small drizzle of olive oil to each serving for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
60g
Carbs
15g
Protein
10g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlicky Italian Lentil Spaghetti Soup?
It is a hearty Italian-inspired soup featuring lentils, vegetables, and broken spaghetti with a robust garlic flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe uses lentils, vegetables, and pasta, making it a vegetarian-friendly dish.
How much garlic is required for this soup?
The recipe calls for 6 large minced garlic cloves to provide a rich flavor.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 400 calories in one serving of this soup.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of protein.
How much fiber does this soup provide?
This soup is high in fiber, offering 10 grams per serving.
What are the primary ingredients for this soup?
The main ingredients include dry lentils, spaghetti, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, tomato puree, and spinach.
How long do the lentils need to simmer?
The lentils and vegetables should simmer for 1 hour before adding the pasta.
How should the spaghetti be prepared?
The spaghetti should be broken into 2-inch lengths before being added to the soup.
When do I add the spinach?
Sliced spinach is added along with the spaghetti after the initial hour of simmering.
How long does the spaghetti take to cook in the soup?
The spaghetti takes approximately 10 to 12 minutes to become tender.
How much water is needed for the base?
You will need 2 quarts of water to prepare the soup.
What type of tomato product is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of canned chopped tomato puree.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 8 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 60 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to rinse the lentils?
Yes, the dry lentils should be rinsed and drained before they are added to the kettle.
Should the kettle be covered while simmering?
Yes, you should cover the kettle during the initial one-hour simmering period.
How should the olive oil be used?
Use 1/4 cup in the soup and add an extra drizzle over each bowl before serving for added flavor.
What size should the carrots and celery be?
Carrots should be diced and celery ribs should be sliced.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, salt and black pepper should be added to taste after the lentils have simmered for an hour.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and easy-to-prepare meal perfect for sharing with loved ones.
What kind of pasta is used in this soup?
The recipe specifically uses 4 ounces of spaghetti.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a small drizzle of olive oil.
How do I prepare the onion?
The onion should be minced before being added to the large kettle.
What is the total time for the second simmering stage?
The second stage takes 10 to 12 minutes until the spaghetti is fully cooked.
Does this soup contain cholesterol?
Based on the provided data, the cholesterol content is not specified but is likely zero given the plant-based ingredients.
Can I drain excess liquid?
Yes, once cooked, you can drain any excess liquid if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Is this a good meal for cold weather?
Yes, it is specifically recommended for chilly evenings due to its hearty and warming nature.
How many large garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 6 large garlic cloves.