Imagine a bowl of pure culinary magic that combines the hearty richness of tender meatballs, the earthy goodness of lentils, and the vibrant tang of ripe tomatoes. This Tomato Lentil Soup with Meatballs isn't just a meal—it's a warm embrace on a chilly day, a symphony of flavors that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary Italian-inspired feast. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a comfort food enthusiast seeking your next obsession, this recipe promises to elevate your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of lentils, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 pound of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of basil, salt, and pepper.
- Rinse the lentils under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. Set aside to drain.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, and half of the basil. Mix well and form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Once the onions and garlic are ready, carefully add the meatballs to the pot. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- After the meatballs are browned, add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and the remaining basil as desired.
- Once the lentils are cooked and the meatballs are tender, remove the pot from heat. Let the soup cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the Tomato Lentil Soup with Meatballs hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Lentil Pro Tip: Always rinse your lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and reduce potential digestive discomfort.
- Meatball Magic: For extra-juicy meatballs, avoid overmixing the ground beef and handle them gently when forming.
- Flavor Boosting Trick: Toast your spices briefly before adding liquids to intensify their aromatic qualities.
- Texture Control: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce and concentrate flavors.
- Make-Ahead Miracle: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for meal prep.
- Garnish Game: Fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can elevate the final presentation and add an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
