As a family that enjoys a lot of traditional Italian foods, we have always used Italian vinegars in our cooking. From red wine vinegar, to balsamic and white wine vinegar – there are many dishes that we enhance with vinegar. I was always taught that one of the easiest ways to add flavor to a ‘dull’ soup was through vinegar – and that’s what I’ve done with one of my family’s favorite soups: Classic Lentil Soup.
I make this soup all the time because everyone enjoys it. It’s an easy, healthy meal for me to prepare. Added to that, Lentils pack a punch. They are high in protein, have great nutrients and have a whole host of health benefits. To make this soup even more flavorful, I turned to De Nigris Seasoned Italian Herbs White Wine Vinegar.
More About De Nigris
De Nigris is a family owned company founded in 1889 and has been passed down 3 generations. All the products are made in Italy, so I love that I can get an authentic Italian taste and flavor in some of our own family dishes. These healthy vinegars are made with all-natural ingredients and are an easy way to enhance your foods, year round, hot or cold. You’ll find their products include organic vinegars, gift sets, and a wide range of fruit and flavoured wine and balsamic vinegars. You can find De Nigris vinegars in the vinegar aisle near the ketchup at Walmart.
Since I love one-stop shopping, I picked up everything else I needed for this easy, classic soup — Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic, Lentils, and Chicken Broth.
Be sure to sort and rinse your lentils – as it is totally normal for small particles, like a tiny pebble or grain can be left behind.
Quick tip to sort lentils:
Spread them out on a cookie sheet or pan in one layer. It makes it very easy to pick out something that is not a lentil.
Sorting the lentils is probably the most difficult part of making this soup. It’s so easy to do – and while the lentils do take time to cook, this soup requires little prep. You can also do this in the slow-cooker, too. (Full Recipe is Below) The soup is hearty, delicious and made even more flavorful with De Nigris Seasoned White Wine Vinegar. It is the perfect compliment to the lentils and vegetables.
Option: If you want to go for an even more bold, heartier taste, try adding De Nigris Aceto Balsamico or Balsamic Vinegar. They even have varieties that are ideal for hot dishes like this!
The thing I love most about this soup is how filling it is – making it a great part of a healthy diet. A small bowl is nutritious and leaves me full until my next meal. I always make a big batch so that I can save the rest for lunches. Talk about a power lunch!
Giveaway
Feeling inspired to cook with De Nigris Vinegars? You can enter the giveaway below to win an amazing De Nigris gift backet valued at $400 – it has everything you need to make amazing dishes with the help of De Nigris Italian Vinegars.
Gift Basket Contains:
$400 De Nigris Gift Basket Sweepstakes
What are some of your favorite ways to use vinegars?
How would you use De Nigris Italian Vinegars in a recipe?
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- 2 tbsp EVOO
- ½ c. chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 c. chopped carrots
- 1 c. chopped celery
- 2 c. lentils - picked over and rinsed
- 1 can low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp De Nigris Seasoned Italian Herbs White Wine Vingear
- 2 c. water
- salt & pepper to taste
- In a larg pot with lid, add EVOO and heat.
- Add carrots, onion and celery. Cook until softened.
- Add in garlic and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Add rinsed lentils, broth and water.
- Bring to a boil. Then reduce to simmer and cover.
- Simmer until lentils are tender - about 45 min to 1 hour.
- When ready to serve, stir in vinegar.
- **Start with 1 tbsp and add more in to taste. 1.5 tbsp is usually a good amount for me**
- Add a pinch of sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.
- Top with optional shaved parmesan.
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tammigirl says
November 10, 2014 at 8:44 pmWow! We love to eat a good lentil soup. Thanks for the recipe share.
Stephanie Phelps says
November 11, 2014 at 1:08 pmI would use it to make peppered cabbage which is one my families favorite appetizers!
Lori Pace says
November 11, 2014 at 3:19 pmThis soup looks so good!! Thank you! #client
Carrie - Huppie Mama says
November 14, 2014 at 12:51 pmYum! I love lentils
Xenia says
November 14, 2014 at 7:04 pmI just had bread with EVOO and Italian Herbs today and it blew my mind! I’m definitely going to have to check out De Nigris! Your soup looks absolutely delicious!
Abbey Ashley says
November 17, 2014 at 7:42 amMy favorite way to use vinegar is in pasta salad or making roasted brussel sprouts!!!
Stephanie C says
November 18, 2014 at 10:40 amLove it in Pasta Salad, too! Never tried with brussel sprouts – great idea!
Sparky says
November 18, 2014 at 8:10 amWhat is EVOO?
Stephanie C says
November 18, 2014 at 10:40 amExtra Virgin Olive Oil 🙂
Linda Kwolek says
November 18, 2014 at 12:10 pmI haven’t a clue as to how to use vinegar for cooking, thus this is foreign territory for me.