Name: Lentil Potato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 70 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Green or brown lentils (2 cups).; Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup plus more for drizzling).; Garlic cloves, lightly crushed (4-6).; Celery rib, finely diced (1).; Yellow onion, finely diced (1).; Fennel bulb, finely diced (1).; Peperoncino or red pepper flakes.; Thyme sprigs (3).; Bay leaf (1).; Sea salt (1 teaspoon).; Yellow potato, cubed (1).; Vegetable or chicken broth (4 cups).; Water (4 cups).; Bread cubes for croutons (2 cups, optional).

A bowl of lentil soup topped with diced potatoes, accompanied by a bottle of olive oil, a plate of bread, and a dish of fresh herbs. | myhomemaderecipe.com

My garlicky lentil potato soup brings Italian comfort right to your bowl. Hearty lentils creamy potatoes crispy croutons create soul warming meal perfect cool days.

Comfort In A Bowl

Simple ingredients transform into rich satisfying soup. Earthy lentils herbs potatoes blend perfectly quick prep makes busy nights easy.

Essential Ingredients

Lentils: Green brown Italian varieties best.
Potatoes: Yellow diced creamy texture.
Garlic: Crushed cloves bold flavor.
Fennel: Sweet depth perfect base.
Herbs: Fresh thyme bay leaves.
Broth: Rich stock water blend.
Croutons: Olive oil crispy finish.

Simple Steps

Prep: Rinse lentils dice vegetables crush garlic.
Start: Sauté aromatics oil add herbs spices.
Build: Add lentils potatoes broth simmer soft.
Finish: Make croutons serve soup drizzle oil top.

Mix It Up

Try adding kale swiss chard extra greens. Drop parmesan rind rich flavor. Serve focaccia salad complete meal.

Lentil Love

Green brown Italian lentils hold shape best. Abruzzo Castelluccio varieties bring nutty flavor simple brown works too.

A bowl of lentil soup with diced potatoes and herbs, accompanied by a wooden spoon and pieces of bread. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Crunchy Top

Crusty bread cubes olive oil salt pepper baked golden. Homemade croutons make soup extra special.

Perfect Pairs

Try fennel orange radicchio salads fresh contrast. Glass wine crusty bread makes special meal.

Your Way

Add turnips greens parmesan rind make yours. Switch bread sides spice level fits taste.

Italian Heart

Traditional flavors comfort every spoonful. Simple ingredients bring rustic mountain cooking home.

Good For You

Protein fiber minerals packed every bowl. Perfect plant based healthy filling meal.

Keep Fresh

Stores four days sealed container fridge. Warm gentle heat add splash broth keeps creamy.

Abruzzo Roots

Mountain flavors ancient wisdom every bite. Lentils potatoes herbs tell Italian story.

Complete Meal

Serve garlic bread focaccia light wine. Fresh salad makes perfect balance.

A bowl of lentil soup with diced potatoes and croutons, garnished with thyme, accompanied by slices of bread and a small container of olive oil. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of lentils work best?: Green lentils or small Italian brown lentils work best as they hold their shape while cooking. These varieties provide the ideal texture for the soup.
→ How can I make this soup vegan?: Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based.
→ Why mash some of the potatoes?: Mashing some potatoes against the side of the pot helps thicken the soup naturally without adding additional thickeners.
→ Can I make this ahead?: Yes, this soup keeps well and often tastes even better the next day. Store in the refrigerator and make fresh croutons when serving.
→ What can I substitute for fennel?: If you don't have fennel, you can add extra celery for a similar aromatic base, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Conclusion

A nourishing soup that blends hearty lentils, tender potatoes, and aromatic vegetables into a comforting meal suitable for various dietary preferences.

Lentil Potato Soup