Marcella Hazan Lentil Soup is an Italian classic that has been around for generations. It is a hearty, comforting soup that is both delicious and easy to make. It is made with simple ingredients that can easily be found in most kitchens such as carrots, celery, onions, and lentils.
This soup is incredibly versatile and can be served as a main dish or a side. It is a great choice for busy weeknights as it only takes about 30 minutes to make. For a delicious and nutritious meal, Marcella Hazan Lentil Soup is sure to hit the spot.
How to Make Marcella Hazan’s Famous Lentil Soup
Marcella Hazan’s famous lentil soup is a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that’s perfect for a midweek dinner. Follow this recipe to make a savory and satisfying soup that your whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Place the lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
4. Add the broth, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until the tomato paste is dissolved.
5. Add the lentils and bring them to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the lentils are tender about 30 minutes.
6. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Serve hot. Enjoy!
Health Benefits of Eating Marcella Hazan’s Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that has been enjoyed around the world for centuries. Marcella Hazan’s lentil soup is a classic Italian version that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Eating this soup can provide numerous health benefits, and here is a guide to help you understand why.
First and foremost, Marcella Hazan’s lentil soup is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Fibre helps to keep your digestive system running smoothly and can reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as colorectal cancer. Fibre is also known to reduce cholesterol levels, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
The soup is also incredibly rich in protein, making it a great choice for vegetarians or those who are looking to reduce their meat consumption. Protein is essential for the growth and repair of tissue in the body and can help to improve muscle strength and endurance.
In addition to these health benefits, Marcella Hazan’s lentil soup is rich in vitamins and minerals. The soup is a great source of folate, which is important for cell growth and the production of healthy red blood cells. It is also a good source of iron, calcium, and zinc. Iron helps to prevent anemia, calcium is important for strong bones, and zinc helps to support the immune system.
Finally, soup is a great source of healthy fats and protein, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal. The lentils in the soup provide a good source of plant-based protein, which can be beneficial for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Overall, Marcella Hazan’s lentil soup is not only delicious but it is also packed with essential nutrients that can support overall health and well-being.
Exploring the Italian Roots of Marcella Hazan’s Lentil Soup
Marcella Hazan, the doyenne of Italian cooking, is renowned for her classic lentil soup recipe. It has been a mainstay of Italian home cooking for generations, and yet its origins are not widely known. In this article, we will explore the Italian roots of Marcella Hazan’s lentil soup, and discover the history behind this beloved dish.
Lentil soup has been part of Italian cuisine since ancient times. Known as “minestra di lenticchie” in Italian, the dish can be traced back to the Etruscans, who inhabited the area of modern-day Tuscany in the 8th century BC. Lentil soup was a common dish in Roman times as well, and it was enjoyed by both the wealthy and the poor.
During the Middle Ages, it became a staple food of the peasant class, as it was inexpensive and could be cooked in large quantities. The traditional Italian lentil soup is made with a base of olive oil, garlic, and onions, with the addition of lentils, tomatoes, and herbs. This base is then flavored with a variety of ingredients, including carrots, celery, parsley, rosemary, and bay leaves.
In Marcella Hazan’s recipe, she adds a tablespoon of tomato paste for additional flavor. Marcella Hazan’s lentil soup is a classic example of Italian comfort food.
Marcella Hazan Lentil Soup Nutrition Info
Marcella Hazan Lentil Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is packed with a variety of healthy ingredients. The main ingredient in this soup is lentils, which are a great source of protein, fiber, and various essential vitamins and minerals.
One cup of lentils contains approximately 230 calories, 18 grams of protein, and 40 grams of carbohydrates, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans looking to boost their protein intake. Lentils are also high in fiber, which can help to promote digestion and lower cholesterol levels.
The soup also contains other nutrient-rich ingredients like olive oil, onion, carrot, and garlic, which are all known to have various health benefits. Olive oil is a great source of healthy fats, and onions and garlic contain antioxidants that can help to protect against cancer and other diseases. Carrots are also high in vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy vision.
The broth used in this recipe can be either chicken or vegetable broth, which add a rich flavor to the soup. The tomato paste and oregano gives a nice taste to the soup, the salt and black pepper add the perfect balance of flavor.
Overall, Marcella Hazan Lentil Soup is a healthy and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It’s easy to make and can be a great way to increase your intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
FAQs
Marcella Hazan Lentil Soup takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to make, including preparation and cook time.
Yes, Marcella Hazan Lentil Soup can be made vegetarian by omitting the pancetta or bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Yes, Marcella Hazan Lentil Soup can be made in a slow cooker by sautéing the onions, carrots, celery, and pancetta or bacon in a pan first, then adding the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
Marcella Hazan Lentil Soup can be served with crusty bread or a simple salad to make a complete meal.
Conclusion
Marcella Hazan Lentil Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by anyone. It is easy to make, inexpensive, and can be tailored to any dietary needs. With simple ingredients and short cooking time, it is a great option for busy weeknights. Whether served as a main course or as a side dish, Marcella Hazan Lentil Soup will be sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
