Hearty Lentil Soup with Veggies & Pasta: A Perfect Autumn Warm-Up
45
min
307
Calories
10g
Fats
45g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Dive into the flavors of fall with this robust Lentil Soup with Veggies and Pasta. A blend of tender lentils, crisp vegetables, and al dente pasta makes for a comforting bowl, sure to warm you up as the leaves begin to turn.
Ingredients:
Step 1: Preparing the Lentils
Begin your soup adventure by adding the lentils and 4 cups of water to a medium-sized, deep sauté pan. Cook with a touch of whimsy by leaving the lid slightly ajar, simmering for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are whispering tales of tenderness. This is the perfect moment to lose yourself in the anticipatory pleasure of what's to come.
Pro Tip: For an extra flavor kick, consider using vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
Step 2: Saute the Veggies
In the meantime, create a tapestry of flavors by heating olive oil in a large, deep sauté pan over a low-to-medium flame. Introduce onions, carrots, garlic, and celery to the warm embrace of the oil, stirring until they soften and release their sweet and savory perfume. It's as if you're coaxing the very essence of fall into your kitchen.
Pro Tip: Cut veggies into small, even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Elevate your soup by adding the tomato sauce, chopped parsley, a can of cream of mushroom or celery soup, and 3 cups of water into the veggie mixture. Season with salt & pepper as your heart dictates. Bring this concoction to a roiling boil before introducing the pasta to the mix. Lower the heat, allowing the pasta to whisper tales of its own as it becomes tender.
Pro Tip: Adjust the seasoning as you go - the soup's flavor deepens with cooking.
Step 4: Combine Lentils and Pasta
Marry the almost-soft lentils with the pasta, letting them cook together, uncovered, weaving their flavors and textures into a heartwarming tapestry. This final dance of ingredients, lasting another 10-15 minutes, ensures that every spoonful will be a comforting embrace on a chill autumn evening.
Pro Tip: If the soup is too thick, a touch more water can bring it to your preferred consistency.
Step 5: Final Touches
Just before serving, sprinkle each bowl with a generous helping of freshly grated Romano cheese, adding a layer of nutty, salty depth to your beautifully crafted soup. It's in this moment, with the first spoonful to your lips, that you truly understand the magic of a well-made lentil soup with veggies and pasta.
Pro Tip: Serve with crusty bread for dunking.
