Okay, friends, gather ’round! I have the soup for you. Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, the kind where you just want to curl up under the blanket. What is lentil sausage soup? Is this hearty, flavorful and easy to throw together? What is the taste of minestrone? What is the flavor of lentils? Is it true that once you try this, you’ll forget all about that canned stuff. My family practically inhales it, and I always make a huge batch because the leftovers are even better. What’s better the next day?
What is Lentil Sausage soup?
Think of **lentil sausage soup** as the coziest dish imaginable. It’s essentially a robust and filling soup made with protein-rich lentils, savory sausage (I prefer Italian, but more on that later!), vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and a flavorful broth. It’s essentially a hug in a bowl. The name pretty much gives it away, doesn’t it? But what the name *doesn’t* tell you is just how incredibly satisfying this soup is. It’s comfort food elevated, and I promise, even picky eaters will gobble it up. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick, nutritious, and delicious on the table.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This **lentil sausage soup** is a total winner for so many reasons! First, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of the earthy lentils, the savory sausage, and the aromatic vegetables creates a symphony of tastes that just works perfectly. I love the little bit of spice from the Italian sausage (you can adjust the heat level, of course!).
Second, it’s unbelievably easy to make. Is it possible to chop veggies, brown sausage, and throw everything in a pot and stir? What are some of the best recipes for a beginner cook? Lentils are super cheap, and you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. I often raid my freezer for leftover veggies to toss in.
Isn’t it so versatile that you can customize it to your liking? Add some spinach or kale for extra greens, swap the Italian sausage for chorizo for an extra kick, and serve with a salad. How do I make vegetable broth vegetarian? What I love about this is that it’s a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash! What is your mother’s famous Beef Stew recipe? I like to add a splash of red wine vinegar at the end. I love the tangy flavor of this soup. It’s a great way to start the day.
How do you make lentil sausage soup?
Quick Overview
Making this **lentil sausage soup** is a breeze! Basically, you’ll start by browning the sausage and sautéing the veggies. Then, you’ll add the lentils, broth, and seasonings, and let it simmer until the lentils are tender. The secret? Don’t rush the simmering process! Allowing the soup to gently bubble away for at least 30 minutes really allows the flavors to meld together. This method is special because it’s so simple, yet it delivers incredible flavor. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal, which is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Main Soup:
* 1 pound Italian sausage (I prefer sweet, but you can use hot for a spicier soup) *1 lb. Italian bacon (it’s the same as the sausage I use for the pasta)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
* 8 cups chicken or Vegetable Broth (I like chicken broth for a richer flavor)
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 bay leaf (don’t forget to remove it before serving)
* Splash of red wine vinegar (optional but highly recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. What is the best way to do this? Don’t worry about getting it perfectly cooked at this stage – it will continue to cook in the soup. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the olive oil to the pot (if needed, depending on how much fat the sausage rendered). Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook over medium heat until they’re softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning. The onions should become translucent, and the carrots and celery should be slightly tender. What is the flavor of a soup?
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. How do you burn garlic? What is the aroma of garlic at this stage?
Step 4: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add the rinsed lentils, chicken or Vegetable Broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, basil, and salt. Mix well. Salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine everything.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes. When lentils are tender, cook until tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will be. I often let it simmer for an hour or more for the best results. Stir occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a splash of red wine vinegar if desired. What is the secret ingredient in soup?
5. What to Serve It With
What is lentil sausage soup? Simple accompaniments.
What is a simple lunch?A crusty loaf of bread for dipping is always a winner. The crustier, the better! I also love serving it with a simple side salad. It adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
What is a hearty dinner?What are some good ways to serve Grilled Cheese Sandwiches? How do you add sour cream to soup? I also like to sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top. I’ve tried it and it’s delicious.
For a Crowd:If you’re serving a large group, consider making fennel bread to go along with the soup. Is it a classic pairing? What are some great toppings for a bar? How do I customize my soup?
My family loves a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top of the salad. It’s amazingly delicious. What are some good pairings for soup with a dry red wine? What is Cabernet Sauvignon? What is the best way to enjoy a glass of wine with soup?
How do you make a delicious lentil sausage soup?
I’ve made this **lentil sausage soup** countless times, and I have learned a few tricks along the way. Okay, so so I can’t say that this soup is bad, but it’s good.
Sausage Selection: SaDon’t be afraid to experiment with different types of sausage. I usually use sweet Italian sausage, but hot italian sausage adds a nice kick. What are some good ways to use Andouille sausage for a different flavor profile? Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Lentil Love: I prefer using brown or green lentils for this soup because they hold their shape well. Red lentils tend to break down and can make the soup a bit mushy. But if you like a thicker soup, feel free to use red lentils.
Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as diced potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just add them along with the carrots and celery.
Broth Boost: Using homemade broth will elevate the flavor of the soup even further. But if you don’t have homemade broth on hand, store-bought is perfectly fine. I recommend using a low-sodium broth so you can control the amount of salt in the soup.
Spice it Up: If you like a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You could also use hot Italian sausage.
Acid Adjustment: The splash of red wine vinegar at the end is optional, but I highly recommend it. It brightens up the soup and adds a subtle tanginess. You could also use lemon juice instead.
I’ve also learned the hard way not to overcook the lentils. They should be tender but still hold their shape. Overcooked lentils will turn the soup into a mushy mess. And always, *always* remember to remove the bay leaf before serving!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This **lentil sausage soup** is perfect for meal prepping because it stores and reheats beautifully.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It will actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Make sure to leave some headspace in the containers as the soup will expand when frozen.
Glaze Timing Advice: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
I’ve found that the soup thickens as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating it. And if you’re freezing it, I recommend portioning it out into individual containers so you can easily grab a serving for lunch or dinner. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, folks! My all-time favorite **lentil sausage soup** recipe. It’s truly a winner because it’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge. I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! If you love this, you might also enjoy my hearty minestrone soup or my creamy Tomato Soup. Both are family favorites! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below with your own variations. I’m always looking for new ideas!
Lentil Sausage Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup brown or green lentils
- 1 pound Italian sausage removed from casings
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 onion diced onion
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and serve hot.
