Name: Tuscan Lentil & Kale Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 large yellow onion; 3 garlic cloves; 1 15-ounce can quartered artichoke hearts; ½ bunch Tuscan kale (also labeled as Lacinato, dinosaur kale or cavolo nero); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 tablespoon dried basil; 1 cup dried red lentils; 2 cups water; 1 bay leaf; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 28-ounce cans fire roasted whole tomatoes; Shaved Parmesan cheese (optional), for garnish

This cozy lentil and kale soup recipe is so tasty, you’ll immediately want seconds! It’s healthy, easy, and full of big Italian flavor.

Tuscan lentil soup with artichokes and tomatoes

This Tuscan lentil and kale soup came together by chance: and my, was it a happy accident! Ever have those moments where your spouse or partner is really passionate about something, and you’re not so sure about it? Alex had a vision of creating an Italian lentil soup recipe with artichokes, tomatoes, and lentils. I was dubious it would all work together (though now I don’t even remember why). Even he was surprised at how well it came together! This Mediterranean-style lentil and kale soup pairs earthy and tangy flavors in a way that draws you in bite after bite. Keep reading for how to make it!

What to know about this lentil and kale soup

This Tuscan lentil and kale soup comes together in under an hour and requires very little skill to make. The Italian seasonings and tangy fire-roasted tomatoes make it totally irresistible. My extended family loves it so much that we make it every Christmas Eve! Here are a few keys to the flavor in this lentil soup recipe:

Fire roasted tomatoes are a must. Fire roasted tomatoes are a must in this lentil soup. The tomatoes add a subtly sweet flavor that you won’t get if you use regular canned tomatoes. If you can’t find them, use the highest quality tomatoes you can find.
Season as needed throughout the cooking process. Depending on tomato and artichoke brands, you may need to add a different amount of salt to this Tuscan lentil soup. Make sure to taste and add enough salt until the flavor pops.
Don’t overcook the lentils. Red lentils need about 20 minutes to cook through fully. If you overcook them, they’ll lose their shape and will become incredibly soft. Your lentil and kale soup may get too thick if the lentils become too soft, so watch closely during the end of the cook time.

All about red lentils!

Red lentils named for their beautiful orange-pink color, though they turn yellow when cooked. Of any of the lentil varieties, the texture of red lentils breaks down the quickest. Because they cook faster than regular brown and green lentils, we love adding them into our soups and stews like this lentil stew.

If your store doesn’t carry red lentils, what to substitute? This lentil and kale soup also works with green or brown lentils. Just keep in mind that using different types of lentils affects the cook time! You may need to cook brown and green lentils a tad longer than the red variety. Red lentils break down very quickly, so make sure not to overcook them.

More red lentil recipes? Masoor Dal is cozy and nuanced, Mediterranean-style Creamy Red Lentil Soup is spiced with cumin and paprika. Or, check out more of our Best Lentil Recipes.

What are lentils — Uncooked red lentils have a vibrant orange-pink color

Cooking with Tuscan kale

Try to find Tuscan kale for this recipe! Tuscan kale is an Italian variety with a dark green color and mild flavor. It may also be labeled as Lacinato kale, dinosaur kale, black kale, or cavolo nero (black cabbage in Italian). The leaves are very dark green and flat, compared to curly kale which has frilly, brighter green leaves. If you can’t find Tuscan kale by any of these names, you can substitute curly kale, or even other leafy greens like spinach or chard.

Why is it best to use in this lentil and kale soup? Well, it’s an Italian-style soup so it’s only fitting to use Italian-style kale! But the flavor is also important. The flavor of Tuscan kale is milder and sweeter than curly kale, which can taste bitter and spicy.

How to serve this lentil and kale soup

To serve this Tuscan lentil and kale soup recipe as a meal, we suggest a side salad or bread to go along with it. Here are a few suggestions:

Bread: Try your hand at our Easy No Knead Bread, Artisan Bread, Dutch Oven Bread, or famous Sourdough Bread Recipe.
Cornbread: It’s not Italian, but this Easy Cornbread is extra special!
Salad: Some salads that fit the vibe: Easy Arugula Salad, Favorite Chopped Salad, Best Tossed Salad or Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad.

Let us know what you’d serve it with in the comments below!

This lentil and kale soup recipe is…

Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based and dairy free (without the Parmesan cheese garnish).