Italian Lentil Soup with Chicken is a hearty and flavorful dish that exemplifies the essence of traditional Italian cuisine. This soul-warming soup combines the earthy richness of lentils with the savory depth of chicken and a medley of aromatic vegetables and herbs. Rooted in Italy’s culinary heritage, this recipe showcases the country’s commitment to using simple, quality ingredients to create dishes that nourish both the body and the spirit.

The history of Italian Lentil Soup with Chicken harks back to Italy’s centuries-old culinary traditions. Lentils have been a staple in Italian cuisine since ancient times, offering a source of sustenance to a population that valued ingredients that could be preserved and stored. Lentils, being rich in protein and nutrients, made them an ideal candidate for hearty soups that could provide nourishment even in lean times.

The introduction of chicken into the recipe can be attributed to the evolution of culinary techniques and the availability of ingredients. Chickens have been domesticated in Italy for centuries, and their meat has become a cherished addition to various Italian dishes. The combination of lentils and chicken in a soup reflects the resourcefulness of Italian cooks in making the most out of what was readily available.

SERVES: 4

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES

COOKING TIME: 55 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Begin by rinsing the lentils under cold water and setting them aside. Dice the chicken breasts and season them with salt and pepper.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sauté until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the pot. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the herbs become fragrant.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the rinsed lentils. Stir well to combine.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
7. Once the lentils are cooked, add the sautéed chicken back into the pot. Allow the chicken to warm through in the soup.
8. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the chicken broth may already contain salt, so be cautious not to over-salt the soup.
9. Ladle the Italian Lentil Soup with Chicken into serving bowls. Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added depth of flavor.
10. Serve the soup with crusty Italian bread or toasted ciabatta slices to complete the meal.

CONCLUSION:

• Italian Lentil Soup with Chicken embodies the rustic charm and culinary traditions of Italy. This soul-satisfying dish showcases the interplay of lentils and chicken in a harmonious symphony of flavors. Rooted in history and brought to life by the skillful hands of generations of Italian cooks, this recipe continues to warm hearts and satiate appetites with its comforting embrace.