Easy Longevity Soup Inspired by Blue Zones Recipe
This Easy Longevity Soup inspired by the Blue Zones is a hearty, wholesome vegetable and legume soup packed with nutritious ingredients like kale, lentils, and sweet potatoes. Featuring a medley of vegetables simmered with herbs and small pasta, this comforting recipe offers a balanced meal that supports wellness and longevity, perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables and Legumes
- 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 (around 1 cup)
- 2 cloves Garlic – minced
- 14 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes
- 1 cup Canned Cannellini Beans (or black beans or chickpeas)
- 1 cup Cooked Lentils (or ½ cup dried lentils)
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 cup Kale – shredded
- 1 cup Baby Spinach
Herbs and Seasoning
- ½ tsp Dried Oregano
- ½ tsp Thyme
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper – to taste
Others
- ½ cup Pasta – any small shape
Optional Garnishes
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil – for drizzling
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley – chopped
- ¼ cup Grated Parmesan or Vegetarian Alternative (or vegan finely grated)
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven or pan. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and diced zucchini. Season with sea salt and sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add Sweet Potato and Garlic: Stir in the diced sweet potato, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring to combine and release the garlic’s aroma.
- Add Herbs and Tomato Paste: Mix in the dried thyme, oregano, and tomato paste. Stir well and season again with salt and pepper to build flavor.
- Add Broth, Tomatoes, Beans, and Lentils: Pour in the vegetable broth, canned diced tomatoes, beans, and lentils. Season once more with salt and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Soup: Add the bay leaves to the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, leaving the pot uncovered, and cook for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the simmering soup. If the soup appears too thick, add up to an additional cup of water or vegetable broth as needed. Continue cooking for 10 minutes more, until the pasta is al dente.
- Add Greens: Stir in the shredded kale and baby spinach leaves. Cook just until wilted, about one minute. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese or a vegetarian/vegan alternative according to preference.
Notes
- Use any small pasta shape like ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni for best results.
- If using dried lentils instead of cooked, rinse and pre-cook them before adding or increase simmer time accordingly.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more vegetable broth or water when cooking the pasta.
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based Parmesan alternative or omit cheese completely.
- This soup stores well and flavors deepen after a day; refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Longevity soup, Blue Zones recipe, vegetable soup, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, lentil soup, easy soup recipe, kale soup, nutritious soup