Let’s talk comfort food. When the weather starts to turn, and I’m craving something warm and satisfying, I reach for this. **lentil sausage soup** recipe *every single time*. What is the difference between a lentil soup and sausage stew? If you like a good, hearty soup that practically makes itself, you NEED this in your life. Is it easier than making a full-blown Beef Stew? On a chilly evening, I’d recommend swimming. What’s the best part? It’s budget-friendly and packed with goodness!
What is Lentil Sausage soup?
What is lentil sausage soup? What’s in this soup? Earthy lentils, savory sausage, and a medley of spices. All vegetables, all simmered together in a rich, aromatic broth. The lentils provide a hearty base, while the sausage adds an exquisite depth of flavor that permeates the entire dish. How do you prepare the entire dish? Is it good for a weeknight dinner? I love using Italian Sausage but sometimes will swap it out with chorizo for an extra kick!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? The combination of the savory sausage, the earthy lentils, and the aromatic vegetables creates a unique flavor. What is a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more? Is it the kind of soup that gets better the next day?
What are some of the best recipes for lentil sausage soup? Is it a dump and stir recipe? What’s the kind of night you want when you’re short on time and energy but still want a good night sleep? What is the best home
What I love about this is how budget friendly it is. Can you use any kind of sausage on hand? What are some of the best ways to make a big batch so you can have leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day?
What are some of the best recipes for lentil sausage soup? Add different vegetables, swap out the sausage, or even throw in a handful of spinach or kale for some extra flavor. I sometimes stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for another creamy, tangy touch. What’s a winner with this soup, especially when compared to other soups like French Onion, which, while delicious, isn’t. What is it like to babysit over the stove?
How do I make lentil sausage soup?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make lentil sausage soup? I’ll start by browning sausage, then sautéing vegetables. Add the lentils, broth, and seasonings to the pot and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. That’s it! What is the beauty of this recipe? Is it perfect for lazy weekends?
Ingredients
For the Base:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Soup:
* 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
* 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
* Fresh parsley, chopped
* Grated Parmesan cheese
* A drizzle of olive oil
What are the steps to
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a Dutch Oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. What are the best ways to cook sausage in a pot? Where does that deliciousness really start to build?
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. What is the best way to cook garlic? I always do this to give the soup a solid aromatic base.
Step 3: Add Lentils and Broth
Return the sausage to the pot. Add the lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
Step 4: Simmer and Serve
Stir the **lentil sausage soup** occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once lentils are tender, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Is olive oil a bad thing?
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What are some ideas for making lentil sausage soup?
What is a simple lunch? Serve with a crusty baguette or some warm, toasted bread for dipping. Nothing beats soaking up that delicious broth!
What is a hearty dinner?Pair it with a side salad or some roasted vegetables. What is a good salad to serve with salad dressing?
For a Cozy Night In:What is comfort food heaven?
For a potluck or gathering:This soup is perfect for sharing. It travels well and can be easily reheated. I’ve brought it to countless potlucks, and it’s always a hit. It’s become a family tradition at our holiday gatherings. My Aunt Susan always asks for the recipe, but I just smile and say it’s a family secret!
What are some tips for making lentil sausage soup?
What are some of the best recipes for lentil sausage soup?
Sausage Selection: Sa Choose a good quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. I prefer sweet Italian sausage, but you can use hot Italian sausage if you like a little heat. You can even experiment with different types of sausage, like chorizo or Andouille.
Lentil Variety: You can use brown or green lentils for this recipe. Red lentils will also work, but they tend to break down more and will result in a thicker soup. I find brown or green lentils hold their shape better, but it really comes down to personal preference.
Broth is Key: Use a good quality chicken or vegetable broth for the best flavor. Homemade broth is always best, but store-bought broth works just fine. I’ve even used chicken bouillon in a pinch, and it still turns out great.
Vegetable Prep: Chop the vegetables into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. I like to chop them into small dice so they blend seamlessly into the soup.
Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to season generously with salt and pepper. Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed. A little bit of red pepper flakes can also add a nice touch of heat.
Simmer Time: Allow the soup to simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the better it will taste! I’ve even let it simmer for a few hours on low heat, and it was amazing.
Thickening: If you want a thicker soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend it. Just be careful not to over-blend it, or it will become too smooth. Alternatively, you can remove a cup of the soup and blend it in a regular blender, then return it to the pot.
Acidity Balance: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the soup. I usually add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This **lentil sausage soup** stores beautifully and is even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours, especially if it’s warm.
Refrigerator Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld together as it sits, so it will taste even better the next day!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers, as the soup will expand when it freezes. To thaw, transfer the soup to the refrigerator overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Reheating: To reheat the soup, simply heat it in a pot 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. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little bit of broth or water to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this **lentil sausage soup** recipe a try! It’s truly one of my all-time favorite Comfort Food recipes. It’s incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for those chilly evenings when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and sausage. If you love a hearty, flavorful soup that’s packed with goodness, you’ll absolutely love this recipe! Seriously, it’s the kind of soup that you’ll crave again and again!
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my other soup recipes, like my Creamy Tomato Soup or my Chicken Noodle Soup. Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how your lentil sausage soup turns out. I can’t wait to hear about it! Also, if you tried any fun variations, definitely share! It helps me and other readers get inspired.
Lentil Sausage Soup: 5 Reasons It's Your Next Comfort Food Fix!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian Sausage Sweet or spicy, your choice
- 1 cup Brown Lentils Rinsed
- 4 cups Chicken Broth Low sodium
- 1 cup Diced Carrots
- 1 cup Diced Celery
- 1 cup Diced Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
- 1 tsp Salt To taste
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper To taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
- Add carrots, celery, and onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in lentils, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Return sausage to the pot and simmer for another 15 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
