Quick & easy Progresso Lentil Soup recipe
Are you a fan of warm, hearty soups that are bursting with flavor? Look no further than this recipe for attempting to duplicate Progresso lentil soup. This soup is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day or any time you’re in the mood for a delicious and nutritious meal.
As an Israeli chef, I have tried to recreate Progresso lentil soup recipe and have discovered the perfect way to replicate the flavors of this classic dish. This recipe uses basic ingredients like lentils, celery, tomato paste, and spinach to create a thick, delicious soup that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.
The best part about this soup is that it’s easy to make and can be done in no time. With just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, you can have a homemade version of your favorite canned soup in a matter of minutes. So why not try making your own copycat Progresso lentil soup today? Trust me – your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a hearty, comforting dish that will warm you up from the inside out? Well, I have just the recipe for you! This copycat Progresso lentil soup is the perfect combination of nutritious and flavorful ingredients that will make you feel like you’re eating a bowl of vegetable classics at your favorite Italian wedding.
What makes this lentil soup recipe stand out from the rest is its unique blend of spices and ingredients. The fresh ground black pepper and ginger add a subtle kick of heat, while the tomato paste and celery provide a savory depth to the soup. Additionally, with the inclusion of frozen spinach, this recipe is a great way to sneak in some greens without sacrificing taste.
This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It pairs perfectly with a crusty bread or tossed salad for a filling meal, or served as an appetizer alongside some chicken tortilla or Progresso chicken broth for a lighter lunch. It’s even hearty enough to turn into a full-on lentil stew with some extra veggies and beans thrown in.
And let’s not forget about the cost effectiveness of making your own soup at home! Not only does it save money in your wallet as compared to store-bought canned soups, but it’s packed with more fresh ingredients without any added preservatives or sodium. So why spend money on overpriced canned soup when you can easily recreate Progresso lentil soup at home?
In conclusion, whether you’re on a budget or in need of comfort food, this copycat recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings while also nourishing your body. Make sure to try this lentil soup recipe and prepare to fall in love!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make this copycat Progresso Lentil Soup recipe:
Vegetables
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tomato paste can (4 teaspoons)
- 1 cup frozen spinach
Spices
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
Lentils
- 2 cups dried lentils
- 6 cups of water (1:3 ratio)
Make sure to purchase high-quality and fresh ingredients to ensure the best results for your soup.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into how to make this copycat Progresso lentil soup recipe.
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Spices
Start by finely chopping 1 cup of celery and mincing 2 garlic cloves. Also, peel and grate a 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ginger for an extra boost of flavor. Keep them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Lentils
Rinse 2 cups of lentils in cold water and add them to a pot over medium heat along with 8 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring it to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. You should be able to squish a lentil between your fingers but not break it.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In another large pot or Dutch oven, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the chopped celery and minced garlic from step one, followed by a 6 oz can of tomato paste. It’s important to cook the tomato paste at high heat for at least one minute until it caramelizes, providing that delicious savory flavor to your soup.
Step 4: Add the Spices and Lentils
Incorporate grated ginger into the pot with tomato paste and stir for another minute. Proceed by adding cooked lentils (from step two) and its cooking liquid alongside 2 cups of frozen spinach, fine spice mix consisting of 1/2 teaspoon of salt, ground black pepper around 1 1/2 teaspoons, plus any other spices you prefer.
Step 5: Cook Soup Until Thickened
Bring soup mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to low-medium heat, allowing it to simmer gently for about 10-30 minutes or until thickened according to your liking. As the frozen spinach thaws, it will release its moisture into the soup base making it thicker, rich, and full-bodied.
At this point, you may want to give your perfect progresso lentil soup copycat one final taste-test before adjusting any seasoning or spice levels if needed.
Step 6: Serve garnished with croutons or fresh herbs
Serve this soup hot with crusty bread slices or tortilla chips on the side as per your choice. Don’t forget to add some grated cheese or herbs like fresh parsley or cilantro to make that bowl even more appetizing.
With these simple steps, you will have made yourself a healthy hearty bowl of warm lentil stew ready to comfort even on coldest evening!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to add a unique twist to the classic Progresso Lentil Soup recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try to give your soup a personalized flair.
Firstly, you can use different types of lentils instead of the ones listed in the ingredients list. Green or yellow lentils work just as well, and each one will lend its characteristics to the overall soup flavor. If you want a creamier texture, substitute half of the lentils with split red lentils.
Moreover, suppose fresh ginger is hard to come by in your area. In that case, you can use ground ginger powder as an alternative. However, keep in mind that fresh ginger has a more potent flavor and aroma than the powder version.
If canned tomatoes aren’t available or if you prefer to use fresh tomatoes, swap the tomato paste with chopped fresh tomatoes. Instead of frozen spinach, use fresh spinach if it’s readily available in your local grocery store.
To make this soup gluten-free, replace regular wheat noodles with rice noodles, quinoa, or buckwheat.
Finally, for those who are vegetarian or vegan, substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth is an excellent choice. This change will transform this recipe into lentil stew – a hearty and delicious soup full of vegetables that are perfect for any cold winter night.
Remember that these substitutions and variations might alter the taste slightly or affect the texture of your soup. Therefore, it’s crucial to experiment beforehand so that you can make adjustments accordingly. Enjoy!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your delicious Progresso lentil soup is ready, it’s time to pair it with something equally tasty. This lentil soup is perfect on its own as a light and healthy meal, or as a side dish to complement a larger entrée.
A great way to serve this soup is with some crusty bread or dinner rolls. The hearty texture of the bread will complement the tender and meaty lentils and vegetables. You can also serve it with some crackers, such as saltines, for a satisfying crunch.
For a balanced meal, try pairing your lentil soup with some grilled chicken or roasted fish. The protein from these dishes will add extra nutritional value to your meal and balance out the earthy flavors of the lentils.
Another way to enjoy this soup is to use it as a topping for baked potatoes. Simply bake your potato until soft and fluffy, then add a generous ladle of warm lentil soup on top. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream or chives for added flavor.
If you’re looking to kick things up a notch, consider adding some spice to your dish. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or hot sauce will take your lentil soup to another level.
Finally, don’t forget the drinks! Pair your Progresso lentil soup with a nice glass of red wine or a cold beer for an elevated dining experience.
No matter how you decide to serve it, this Progresso copycat lentil soup recipe is versatile enough to pair well with just about any dish, and is sure to be a hit at your next mealtime gathering.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Progresso Lentil Soup recipe is its convenience. You can make it ahead and store it for later, or reheat leftovers for a quick and easy meal.
To make this soup ahead of time, follow the recipe instructions as normal and then let it cool to room temperature. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium-low heat until it reaches your desired temperature.
If you want to store the soup for longer, consider freezing it. Once the soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, making sure to leave enough room for the soup to expand as it freezes. The soup will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When reheating frozen soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave. Then, transfer the thawed soup to a pot and heat over medium-low heat until hot throughout.
This soup is also great for meal prep. You can double or triple the recipe and portion it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Whatever method you choose for making ahead, storing or reheating this Copycat Progresso Lentil Soup, make sure that you handle and store it properly to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Tips for Perfect Results
As an experienced chef, I know that even the best recipes can have room for improvement. While this recipe for attempting to duplicate Progresso lentil soup is close to perfection, there are a few tips and tricks that will take your soup from good to exceptional. Here are my top tips for achieving perfect results when making this soup.
1. Don’t overcook the lentils: One of the most common mistakes when making lentil soup is overcooking the lentils. While you want them to be tender, you don’t want them to turn into mush. To avoid this, be sure to check on the lentils regularly and remove them from the heat as soon as they are cooked through.
2. Use fresh ingredients: Lentil soup is a simple dish with just a few key ingredients, so it’s important that those ingredients are of high quality. Fresh ginger and garlic cloves, in particular, add an extra layer of flavor to the soup, so don’t skimp on them. Also, using fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach will make a noticeable difference in taste.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste: Though this recipe gives specific measurements for salt and fresh ground black pepper, it’s always a good idea to adjust the seasoning to your personal taste preferences. Start with the recommended amount and then add more if needed.
4. Let the soup sit overnight: Like many soups and stews, this lentil soup tastes even better on the second day. If possible, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
5. Serve with crusty bread: A bowl of warm lentil soup is made even better with a slice of crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up any last bit of soup in your bowl.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious copycat Progresso lentil soup that rivals any canned variety.
FAQ
As you keep making this copycat recipe or tweaking it to your own preferences, you might come across some questions or concerns about the process. No worries – I have gathered a list of frequently asked questions and their answers to guide you on your lentil soup journey!
What are the ingredients in Progresso lentil soup?
For this recipe, we will need some key ingredients to bring out the flavors that will make it a standout dish. These include lentils, celery, tomato paste, modified food starch, spinach, and a few others. With the right combination of ingredients, we can create a savory and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
How to make canned lentil soup better?
As a chef, I love experimenting with different spices to enhance the flavor of my soups. My go-to options include Italian seasoning, which perfectly complements tomato-based soups and lentil soups. I also highly recommend using smoked paprika, as it adds a rich smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness that can really take your soup to the next level.
How do you spice up Progresso lentil soup?
Let’s start by getting those taste buds going with a flavorful lentil soup dish. Grab a saucepan and pour in a 19-ounce can of lentil soup, along with a pinch of cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander, cumin, and paprika.
Heat the mixture until it simmers, allowing the spices to fully infuse with the soup. Once you’ve reached a simmer, toss in 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped mint leaves to brighten up the flavors even more.
Next, take the piping hot soup and ladle it into individual serving bowls. I like to add a little zest by garnishing each bowl with a lemon slice before serving. Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of this lentil soup recipe with every spoonful.
How do you fix bland lentil soup?
To take your soup to the next level, adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper or lemon juice until the flavors burst with deliciousness. If you desire a soup with a spicy kick, throw in a pinch or two more of red pepper flakes.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, attempting to duplicate the Progresso Lentil Soup recipe is a journey worth undertaking, especially if you love the classic vegetable soup. With the right ingredients, attention to detail, and patience, you can make a copycat recipe that rivals or even surpasses the original canned soup. The lentil stew is an excellent option for a healthy and filling meal that is easy to prepare and customize. Remember to experiment with different variations and substitutions to find your ideal combination of flavors.
Furthermore, making your own Progresso Lentil Soup ensures that you know exactly what goes into your soup and have control over the ingredients’ quality and quantity. This way, you can avoid the high sodium and preservatives typically found in canned soups and enjoy a healthier and tastier meal. You’ll also save money in the long run by making a large batch of soup, storing it for future use or enjoying it with friends and family.
Finally, don’t forget to garnish your soup with fresh herbs, serve it hot or cold with tortilla chips or bread, and pair it with your favorite complementary drink. By putting any leftovers in an airtight container and storing them in the fridge or freezer, you can enjoy this delicious soup for several days or even weeks. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, follow our recipe how-to guide, and try making yourself a homemade copycat Progresso Lentil Soup today!
Attempting to Duplicate Progresso Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups lentils, washed and drained
- 5 cups vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup frozen spinach
Instructions
- Spray a stock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Saute' celery with salt until tender. Reduce heat to low and add garlic, ginger, and pepper. Cook until aromas are released, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. Add lentils and cook an additional 3 minutes, constantly stirring so the beans are evenly cooked.
- Add stock, tomato paste and spinach, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Stir soup regularly to ensure even cooking so the beans do not burn. When done, beans should be soft inside, with no chalkiness. Puree with stick blender to desired consistancey.