Carrabba’s Lentil Soup Recipe

Carrabba’s Lentil Soup has become a fan favorite, praised for its rich, hearty flavor, the perfect balance of spices, and the comforting texture that seems to satisfy with every spoonful. This soup is an excellent choice whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly evening or a filling dish to complement your next Italian-inspired dinner. It combines simple, wholesome ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and herbs, which come together in a way that’s both nutritious and deeply satisfying.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, you know that their menu is packed with bold, delicious options. But their lentil soup stands out for its earthy flavor and warmth, capturing the essence of rustic Italian cooking. Luckily, it’s surprisingly simple to recreate at home! By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the tools you need to prepare this flavorful, nourishing soup in your own kitchen.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Carrabba’s Lentil Soup Recipe

This recipe is a great way to bring the warmth of Carrabba’s into your own kitchen. It combines the heartiness of lentils with the freshness of vegetables and the aromatic touch of Italian herbs and spices. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or making it the star of the meal, this lentil soup will surely impress. Plus, it’s packed with fiber and protein, making it a healthy option for those looking to eat clean without sacrificing flavor.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients Needed

To get started, here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare Carrabba’s Lentil Soup. These ingredients are common in many pantry staples, making it easy to assemble and prep:

• Lentils (1 cup) – You can use brown or green lentils for the best texture, though red lentils will also work. They’re a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons) – Adds richness to the soup and enhances the flavors of the vegetables.
• Yellow onion (1 medium) – Chopped finely, this will serve as the aromatic base for the soup.
• Carrot (1 large) – Adds natural sweetness and earthiness to the broth.
• Celery stalks (2) – These lend a subtle flavor and crunch to the mix.
• Garlic (3 cloves) – Minced, garlic will infuse the soup with its aromatic depth.
• Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz) – Adds a bit of tanginess and balances out the flavors.
• Vegetable broth (4 cups) – This serves as the liquid base. You can also use chicken broth if you prefer.
• Bay leaves (2) – Bay leaves add a subtle earthy flavor that enhances the overall depth of the soup.
• Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon, chopped) – Fresh herbs work best in this recipe, though dried thyme can be used in a pinch.
• Salt and pepper (to taste) – Basic seasonings to bring all the flavors together.

Cooking Instructions

Making Carrabba’s Lentil Soup at home is relatively straightforward, but it requires a little patience to let the lentils cook to their tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing the lentils to remove any debris. Chop your onion, carrot, celery, and garlic so they’re ready to go. If you’re using fresh thyme, make sure to chop it up finely.
2. Sauté the veggies: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, until it’s softened and translucent. Add the carrot, celery, and garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant.
3. Add the lentils and broth: Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4. Simmer the soup: Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about 35-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the lentils don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
5. Season and serve: Once the lentils are soft and the soup has thickened up a bit, remove the bay leaves and taste the soup. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend part of the soup using an immersion blender.
6. Garnish and enjoy: Serve your lentil soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. Pair it with some warm, crusty bread, and you’re ready to enjoy a comforting meal!

Ingredient Insights

• Lentils: Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, iron, and fiber. They’re also low in fat, making them a great choice for anyone looking to add more nutritious ingredients to their diet. Lentils come in different varieties, such as green, brown, and red. For this recipe, green or brown lentils work best as they hold their shape well and give the soup a hearty texture.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a silky richness to the soup. It also helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients, particularly the garlic and herbs. Olive oil is packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, which can support heart health when consumed in moderation.
• Vegetable Broth: Using a flavorful broth is crucial to creating a rich and satisfying soup. Vegetable broth brings in a base of savory goodness without overpowering the flavor of the lentils and vegetables. If you prefer a non-vegetarian version, feel free to swap in chicken broth for a different twist.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh thyme is a fantastic herb to use here, giving the soup that quintessential Mediterranean flair. Bay leaves also contribute an earthy and aromatic undertone. Fresh herbs are preferable as they bring out more vibrant flavors compared to dried herbs.

Expert Tips

To make sure your lentil soup turns out just like Carrabba’s, here are a few tips from the experts:

• Don’t skip the soaking step (optional): While it’s not necessary, soaking your lentils for about an hour before cooking them can speed up the cooking process. This is especially helpful if you want to ensure that the lentils cook faster and have a smoother consistency.
• Adjust the broth level: If you prefer a thicker soup, feel free to use less broth, or allow it to simmer for a little longer to reduce and thicken. On the other hand, if you like your soup a little more brothy, add extra broth or water.
• For extra flavor, add a Parmesan rind: Some chefs recommend adding a Parmesan rind to the pot while the soup is simmering. The rind will dissolve into the broth, giving it a rich, umami flavor that adds depth to the soup.
• Make it ahead: Like most soups, lentil soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.

Recipe Variations

While Carrabba’s Lentil Soup is delicious as is, you can experiment with different variations to suit your preferences:

• Add greens: Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can be added at the end of cooking for a burst of color and nutrition. Simply stir in a couple of handfuls and let them wilt in the soup.
• Spicy lentil soup: For a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, some diced jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce while the soup is cooking. It adds a nice contrast to the earthy flavors of the lentils and vegetables.
• Meat lovers’ version: Add some cooked sausage, bacon, or ground turkey to the soup for a heartier, protein-packed version.
• Tomato-based twist: If you prefer a stronger tomato flavor, increase the amount of crushed tomatoes or add a small can of tomato paste. This will make the soup more tangy and vibrant.

Final Words

Carrabba’s Lentil Soup is a versatile dish that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a healthy, vegetarian option or a soup that packs a little extra protein, this recipe is a great starting point. With its robust flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite.