Carrabba’s Lentil Soup recipe: Winter brings a chill that only a warm bowl of soup can beat. Carrabba’s Lentil Soup is a true Italian comfort food gem. It’s filled with tender lentils, savory Italian sausage, and fresh veggies. It’s the perfect way to fight off cold, dreary days.
Visiting Carrabba’s was always a treat for me. Their lentil soup was a favorite, with its rich spices and velvety texture. Now, you can make this cozy Italian soup at home with our easy recipe.
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Understanding the Classic Carrabba’s Lentil Soup
Carrabba’s Italian Grill is famous for its real Italian food. Their lentil soup is a big hit. It’s a light dish made with Italian sausage, veggies, and lentils. This mix creates a soup that’s both tasty and balanced.
History of Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Carrabba’s Italian Grill started in 1986 by Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola. They wanted to share Italy’s flavors in the U.S. Their use of fresh ingredients and old cooking ways has won many fans.
What Makes This Soup Special
The Carrabba’s lentil soup recipe is special because of its mix of ingredients and tastes. The Italian sausage gives it a meaty flavor. The lentils make it filling. Tomatoes, herbs, and spices add to its richness.
Key Flavor Components
- Italian Sausage: The Italian sausage is a key part, adding a rich flavor to the soup.
- Lentils: The lentils make the soup nutritious and filling.
- Diced Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes add a bit of acidity and sweetness, balancing the flavors.
- Herbs and Spices: A mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley, along with garlic and spices, gives the soup a unique Italian taste.
These ingredients come together to make a lentil soup with sausage Carrabba’s. It’s both comforting and full of authentic Italian flavors.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
To make Carrabba’s Italian Grill’s lentil soup at home, you need a few key ingredients. Start with a pound of Italian sausage for a savory base. Then, chop 3/4 cup of onion, 2/3 cup of celery, and 3/4 cup of carrots for extra flavor and texture.
You’ll also need 6 cups of chicken stock or broth and a 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes. Don’t forget 1 1/2 cups of dried brown lentils, the main ingredient. Season with garlic, salt, dried oregano, and fresh basil and parsley to get that authentic Carrabba’s taste.
For a richer flavor, use Better than Bouillon chicken base or homemade stock. You can also try turkey sausage for a leaner option. With these ingredients, you’ll make an Italian lentil soup that’s just like Carrabba’s.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Italian sausage | 1 pound |
| Onion, chopped | 3/4 cup |
| Celery, chopped | 2/3 cup |
| Carrots, chopped | 3/4 cup |
| Chicken stock/broth | 6 cups |
| Diced tomatoes | 28 ounces |
| Dried brown lentils | 1 1/2 cups |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Dried oregano | 2 teaspoons |
| Fresh basil, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
With these ingredients, you can make the carrabba’s copycat lentil soup recipe in your kitchen. The secret is to mix the savory sausage, sweet vegetables, and earthy lentils. This way, you’ll get that easy lentil soup carrabba’s style flavor.
Lentils Soup Recipe Carrabba’s: Step-by-Step Guide
Want a comforting bowl of lentils soup recipe like Carrabba’s? Follow this easy guide to make the carrabba’s lentil and sausage soup at home. You’ll love the real flavors of this easy lentil soup carrabba’s style.
Preparing the Base
Start by heating a big pot or Dutch oven on medium heat. Add olive oil and cook the Italian sausage for 8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s browned, take the sausage out and set it aside.
Cooking the Sausage
In the same pot, cook the onion, celery, and carrots until they’re soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Adding Vegetables and Seasonings
Now, mix all the ingredients together. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, and the cooked sausage back to the pot. Let it boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the lentils are tender.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add fresh chopped parsley on top, if you like. Serve it hot with crusty bread for a cozy and fulfilling meal.
The secret to a great carrabba’s lentil soup is the right mix of ingredients and cooking time. Enjoy this heartwarming dish that will soon become a family favorite!
Kitchen Equipment and Tools Needed
Making the perfect hearty lentil soup or easy lentil soup Carrabba’s style needs the right tools. You’ll need a few key items to start:
- A 5-quart or larger stock pot or cast iron Dutch oven – this will provide ample room for the soup to simmer and develop its rich, flavorful broth.
- A wooden spoon – perfect for breaking up the ground Italian sausage as it cooks.
- A sharp knife for chopping the vegetables – onions, celery, carrots, and zucchini all need a good dicing.
- Measuring cups and spoons – crucial for accurately portioning out the ingredients.
An immersion blender can make the soup extra creamy. Just blend some of the lentils and veggies for a smooth base.
You can also use a large soup pot or slow cooker if you like. The important thing is to have the right gear for a perfect hearty lentil soup or easy lentil soup Carrabba’s style every time.
Tips for Perfect Lentil Consistency
Getting the right lentil consistency is crucial for a great lentils soup recipe. Whether making a hearty lentil soup or an easy lentil soup Carrabba’s style, these tips will guide you. You’ll achieve the perfect texture every time.
Choosing the Right Lentils
For this lentils soup recipe Carrabba’s, choose brown or green lentils. These types stay firm during cooking, giving a nice al dente bite. Stay away from red or yellow lentils, as they become mushy quickly.
Cooking Time Guidelines
Lentils usually take 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook fully. Simmer the pot gently, stirring now and then. This helps the lentils cook evenly. If it’s too thick, add a bit of broth or water.
Texture Troubleshooting
- For a creamier lentil soup Carrabba’s style, blend some soup with an immersion blender. Then, mix it back into the pot.
- If the lentils are too hard, keep simmering until they’re soft enough.
- If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered. This will help thicken the soup.
By using these tips, you’ll make a hearty lentil soup just like Carrabba’s. It will have the right flavors and textures.
Customization Options and Variations
Carrabba’s lentil soup offers endless customization options. You can add a kick, meet dietary needs, or try new flavors. This dish is perfect for getting creative.
Want more heat? Try chorizo or hot Italian sausage instead of traditional Italian sausage. The spicy kick will contrast nicely with the lentils and herbs.
Vegetarians and vegans can make it their own. Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. This way, you get all the flavors without the meat.
For a leaner option, try turkey or chicken sausage. It’s a lighter version of the classic recipe. The soup stays hearty and satisfying.
Adding extra veggies is a great idea. Bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini add color, nutrients, and flavors. They make the soup even better.
Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. Experiment with different combinations. Find the perfect mix of warmth and flavor.
The beauty of Carrabba’s lentil soup is its flexibility. By trying different options, you can make it your own. Enjoy experimenting and let your creativity shine!
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying Carrabba’s lentil soup doesn’t have to end when it’s gone. You can keep its rich flavors alive with the right storage and reheating. These tips will help you enjoy this restaurant-style lentil soup for days. Whether you’re prepping meals or need a nutritious option, your soup will stay fresh and tasty.
Freezing Instructions
Lentil soup freezes well. Cool it quickly in an ice water bath. Then, put it in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. This way, your easy lentil soup carrabba’s style stays good for 3-4 months.
Best Practices for Leftovers
- Keep leftover restaurant-style lentil soup recipes in a sealed container for 5 days.
- Warm the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir every 30 seconds. Add water or chicken stock if it’s too thick.
- Freeze it in portions for easy reheating. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before heating.
Follow these tips to enjoy Carrabba’s lentil soup long after you first make it. A bit of prep work means you can enjoy it whenever you want.
Nutritional Benefits and Health Value
Carrabba’s hearty lentil soup is not only tasty but also full of nutrients. Each serving has about 282 calories. It offers a good mix of 24 grams of carbs, 15 grams of protein, and 13 grams of fat. The soup is also high in dietary fiber, with 8 grams per serving, making it very satisfying.
Lentils, the main ingredient, are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. They are also rich in vitamins A and C, and minerals like calcium and iron. By choosing turkey sausage or vegetarian options, you can make the soup even healthier and just as tasty.
If you’re looking for a warm, nourishing meal or want to eat more plant-based proteins, this soup is perfect. It combines delicious flavors with the health benefits of a balanced meal.