Easy Carrabba’s Lentil Soup Recipe
My favorite Carrabba’s Lentil Soup recipe is a game-changer! This lentil soup is the best I’ve tried. It’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying perfect for cold days when you want a bowl of comfort food.
I discovered Carrabba’s Lentil Soup at one of their famous Italian restaurants. The smell of boiling lentils, the fresh smells of veggies and herbs, and the creamy broth captured me. First spoonful, love!
Homemade Carrabba’s Lentil Soup Recipe
I’m excited to share my rendition of Carrabba’s Lentil Soup. Best part? Even novice cooks can prepare it. Carrabba’s Lentil Soup is easy to make with just a few simple, healthy ingredients and a few simple steps.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill’s thick, delicious soup is a favorite. Carrabba’s Lentil Soup, made with lentils, veggies, herbs, and spices, is excellent for cold days or when you want a healthy supper. I’ll show you how to prepare Carrabba’s Lentil Soup at home, answer any questions, and give you some ideas to make it great.
Ingredients Need for Carrabba’s Lentil Soup
- 1 lb Italian sausage (You can also use Italian turkey sausage)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 1 small zucchini, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups dry lentils
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Basil
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions Making Carrabba’s Lentil Soup
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir well to combine.
Crush the garlic cloves and add them to the pot. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme. Stir to incorporate the flavors.
Rinse the lentils under cold water and add them to the pot. Give it a good stir.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. If desired, you can add more salt, pepper, or herbs at this stage.
Once the lentils are cooked and the flavors have melded together, your Carrabba’s Lentil Soup is ready to be served!
FAQs about Carrabba’s Lentil Soup
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils?
While dried lentils are typically used in Carrabba’s Lentil Soup, you can also use canned lentils if you’re short on time. Simply drain and rinse the canned lentils before adding them to the soup, and adjust the cooking time accordingly as canned lentils are already cooked and may require less time to simmer.
What are some variations on Carrabba’s lentil soup that I can try?
There are several variations you can explore to customize Carrabba’s Lentil Soup according to your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist.
- Include diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for added heartiness.
- Stir in a handful of baby spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra greens.
- Experiment with different types of sausage, such as spicy Italian sausage or chicken sausage, to vary the flavor.
- Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
What are some tips for making Carrabba’s lentil soup taste even better?
To enhance the flavors of Carrabba’s Lentil Soup, consider the following tips:
- Sauté the vegetables until they are slightly caramelized before adding the broth. This step helps develop deeper flavors.
- Allow the soup to simmer for longer to allow the ingredients to meld together and create a more robust taste.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings throughout cooking to ensure a well-balanced flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up for an extra kick.
How can I freeze Carrabba’s lentil soup for later?
Freezing Carrabba’s Lentil Soup is simple. Follow these steps:
- Allow the soup to cool completely.
- Ladle the soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some room at the top for expansion.
- Seal the containers or bags tightly, ensuring there is no air inside.
- Label the containers with the date and soup name.
- Place the containers in the freezer. Remember to use the frozen soup within three months for optimal taste and quality.
How can I reheat Carrabba’s lentil soup without ruining it?
To reheat Carrabba’s Lentil Soup without compromising its flavor and texture, follow these steps:
- Thaw the frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.
- Pour the thawed soup into a saucepan or pot.
- Heat the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature.
- Avoid boiling the soup, as this can overcook the lentils and vegetables.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary before serving.
What are some side dishes that go well with Carrabba’s lentil soup?
Carrabba’s Lentil Soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread: Serve warm bread on the side for dipping or as a hearty accompaniment.
- Mixed green salad: A light and refreshing salad with a lemon or balsamic vinaigrette complement the soup’s richness.
- Caprese skewers: Skewer cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves for a flavorful bite-sized appetizer.
- Grilled vegetables: Prepare a medley of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, to add a smoky and charred element to your meal.
What wine pairs well with Carrabba’s lentil soup?
When it comes to wine pairings for Carrabba’s Lentil Soup, consider the following options:
- Chianti: This medium-bodied red wine from Tuscany, Italy, complements the earthiness of the lentils and Italian sausage.
- Merlot: With its smooth and fruity profile, a Merlot can provide a pleasant contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
- Sauvignon Blanc: If you prefer white wine, a crisp and herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc can offer a refreshing balance to the soup’s richness.
- Pinot Grigio: Another white wine option, Pinot Grigio’s light and citrusy notes can complement the flavors of the soup without overpowering them.
Where can I find Carrabba’s Lentil Soup in a restaurant?
Carrabba’s Lentil Soup is only available at Carrabba’s Italian Grill restaurants. You can find a list of Carrabba’s locations on their website: https://www.carrabbas.com/locations.
If you don’t have a Carrabba’s near you, you can try making your own version of the soup at home. There are many recipes available online, including the one from the article you mentioned.
Here are some other restaurants that may serve lentil soup:
- Olive Garden
- Panera Bread
- Soup Plantation
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Applebee’s
- Chili’s
- Red Lobster
- Olive Tree
- Zoe’s Kitchen
Carrabba’s Lentil Soup is a satisfying and flavorful dish that brings the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine to your table.
With its simple yet delicious combination of ingredients, this soup is perfect for any occasion.
Carrabba’s Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage You can also use Italian turkey sausage
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 2 large carrots chopped
- 1 small zucchini chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 14 1/2 ounce cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups dry lentils
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Basil
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Thyme
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir well to combine.
- Crush the garlic cloves and add them to the pot. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme. Stir to incorporate the flavors.
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and add them to the pot. Give it a good stir.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. If desired, you can add more salt, pepper, or herbs at this stage.
- Once the lentils are cooked and the flavors have melded together, your Carrabba’s Lentil Soup is ready to be served!
Notes
- You can adjust the quantities of the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, and you can also add or substitute with other vegetables or herbs based on your liking.
