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Easy Longevity Soup Inspired by the Blue Zones Recipe

4.8 from 142 reviews

This Easy Longevity Soup inspired by the Blue Zones is a wholesome, nutrient-packed vegetable and legume soup brimming with fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs. It combines a variety of vegetables, beans, lentils, and pasta in a light vegetable broth, delivering comforting flavors and a healthy meal ideal for boosting longevity and wellness.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 small Onion, diced
  • 2 medium Carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks Celery, chopped
  • 1 medium Zucchini, diced
  • 1 small Sweet Potato, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Kale, shredded
  • 1 cup Baby Spinach

Herbs and Seasonings

  • ½ tsp Dried Oregano
  • ½ tsp Thyme
  • Sea Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
  • 2 Bay Leaves

Legumes and Grains

  • 1 cup Cooked Lentils (or ½ cup dried lentils)
  • 1 cup Canned Cannellini Beans (or black beans or chickpeas)
  • ½ cup Pasta, any small shape

Other Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 14 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth

Optional Garnishes

  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for drizzling
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup Grated Parmesan or Vegetarian/Vegan Alternative

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and diced zucchini. Season with sea salt and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  2. Add Sweet Potato and Garlic: Stir in the diced sweet potato, then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Incorporate Herbs and Tomato Paste: Add the dried thyme, oregano, and tomato paste to the pan. Stir well and season again with salt and pepper.
  4. Add Broth, Tomatoes, Beans, and Lentils: Pour in the vegetable broth, canned diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, and cooked lentils. Stir everything thoroughly and season as needed.
  5. Add Bay Leaves and Simmer: Drop in the bay leaves and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes to blend flavors and soften vegetables.
  6. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the soup. If the soup thickens too much, add an additional cup of water or vegetable broth. Cook for another 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
  7. Add Greens and Final Seasoning: Stir in the shredded kale and baby spinach until wilted, about a minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
  8. Serve with Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan or your preferred vegetarian or vegan cheese alternative.

Notes

  • You can substitute the cannellini beans with black beans or chickpeas depending on preference.
  • If using dried lentils, soak or cook them separately beforehand for best texture.
  • Adjust the amount of broth or water as needed to reach your desired soup consistency.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free version.
  • The soup can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.

Keywords: longevity soup, Blue Zones recipe, vegetable soup, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, lentil soup, easy dinner, nutritious meal