Description
This Vegetarian Lasagna Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that captures all the flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, cozy soup form. Made with fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, lentils, fresh spinach, and three types of cheese, this soup is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch. The lasagna noodles cook in the broth, melding with rich tomato paste and pesto for a flavorful experience that’s both filling and nutritious.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1.5 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup uncooked split red lentils
- 2 (28 oz.) cans fire roasted crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar (optional)
- 8 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite sized pieces
- 2-3 cups chopped fresh baby spinach (optional)
Cheese Toppings
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion: Add the diced onion with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir frequently and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced garlic, Italian seasoning, and additional salt and pepper. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for roughly 2 minutes until it darkens to a brick red color, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Deglaze pot: Pour a splash of vegetable broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits to incorporate flavor.
- Add main soup ingredients: Add the basil pesto, lentils, crushed tomatoes, remaining vegetable broth, and sugar if using. Season again with salt and pepper. Stir to combine well.
- Simmer soup base: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, especially to keep lentils from settling on the bottom.
- Add noodles and cook: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce heat to low or medium-low and let the soup simmer gently for 12-15 minutes until noodles are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add spinach and season: Remove from heat. Stir in the chopped spinach until it wilts, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve with cheese: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with Parmesan, mozzarella, and a dollop of ricotta. Cover for a few minutes to let the cheeses melt. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the cheeses or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
- The sugar is optional and helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes if desired.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
- The lentils add protein and fiber, making this dish hearty and nourishing.