Hearty Lentil and Pasta Soup
This comforting Hearty Lentil and Pasta Soup is the ultimate blend of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors. After experimenting with various recipes, I crafted this unique dish that is not only meat-free but also packed with nutritious vegetables and protein-rich lentils. The rich broth, complemented by the hearty pasta, makes it a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days or any time you need a nourishing bowl of goodness. Serve it alongside warm cornbread for a delightful pairing that enhances the experience. Enjoy this flavorful soup that's sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
canola oil
2 1/2 tablespoons (none)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
carrots
1 1/2 cups (sliced)
celery
3 stalks (sliced)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 3/4 tablespoons (none)
pepper
3/4 teaspoon (none)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (peeled)
water
11 cups (none)
chicken bouillon cubes
2 (none)
lentils
1 (16 ounce) bag (rinsed well)
cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
whole wheat penne pasta
1 1/3 cups (none)
Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon (optional for each serving)
Instructions
1
In a large stock pot, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent.
2
Mix in the dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice to the pot and continue to cook for another 2 minutes, stirring well.
3
Pour in 11 cups of water, then add the chicken bouillon cubes, rinsed lentils, and cider vinegar. Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are almost tender, about 25-30 minutes.
4
Once the lentils are near tender, add the whole wheat penne pasta. Stir well and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
5
Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to develop the flavors. If needed, adjust seasoning to taste.
6
Serve the soup hot in bowls and sprinkle with optional grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Lentil and Pasta Soup?
It is a nourishing, meat-free soup made with lentils, whole wheat penne pasta, and a variety of sautéed vegetables in a rich broth.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 tablespoons of canola oil.
How long should I sauté the base vegetables?
Sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for about 15 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
What seasonings are included in the recipe?
The soup is seasoned with dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken bouillon cubes.
When do I add the diced tomatoes?
Add the diced tomatoes with their juice after the vegetables have sautéed and you have mixed in the dried seasonings.
How much water is required for the broth?
You will need 11 cups of water for this soup.
How long do the lentils need to simmer before adding pasta?
Simmer the lentils for about 25 to 30 minutes until they are almost tender.
What type of pasta is recommended for this soup?
The recipe uses 1 1/3 cups of whole wheat penne pasta.
How long should the pasta cook in the soup?
Cook the penne for an additional 10 to 12 minutes or until it is al dente.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
While the tags suggest it is vegetarian, the recipe uses chicken bouillon. To make it strictly vegetarian, substitute with vegetable bouillon.
What is the purpose of adding cider vinegar?
Two tablespoons of cider vinegar are added to brighten the flavors and balance the earthiness of the lentils.
Can I garnish the soup?
Yes, you can sprinkle optional grated Parmesan cheese over each serving for added flavor.
What vegetables are in the soup base?
The soup includes onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
Should I rinse the lentils before cooking?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one 16-ounce bag of lentils that has been rinsed well.
How many carrots are needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of sliced carrots.
How much celery is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 stalks of sliced celery.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While penne is specified, you can use other sturdy pasta shapes, though cooking times may vary.
What should I serve with this soup?
Warm cornbread is a delightful pairing that enhances the experience of this hearty soup.
Is the soup good for meal prep?
Yes, this soup is great for meal prep as the flavors often develop further the next day.
How many chicken bouillon cubes are needed?
You need 2 chicken bouillon cubes to flavor the 11 cups of water.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for one 14.5-ounce can of peeled, diced tomatoes.
Is this soup gluten-free?
No, it contains whole wheat penne. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta alternative.
How do I adjust the flavor at the end?
Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes after the pasta is done and adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
What is the preparation for the onion?
One medium onion should be chopped before sautéing.
How much dried basil is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
How much Italian seasoning is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
What heat setting should I use for sautéing the vegetables?
Use medium heat in a large stock pot for the initial sauté.
How much pepper is added to the pot?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Is the soup dairy-free?
The soup base is dairy-free, but the optional Parmesan cheese garnish contains dairy.