If you’re craving a heartwarming, cozy bowl full of robust flavors, look no further than this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe. This dish brings together the earthy richness of brown lentils with the savory punch of Italian sausage, all simmered alongside a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want something comforting, nutritious, and satisfying, this soup not only feels like a warm hug but also packs a wonderful balance of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, from the juicy, spiced sausage to the hearty lentils and fresh garden vegetables that add texture and brightness.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Choose hot or sweet based on your spice preference; it’s the protein star of this soup.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds an irresistible aroma and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- Onion (1, diced): Provides a sweet, savory base that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Celery (1 rib, chopped): Brings a subtle crunch and earthy freshness to the mix.
- Carrots (2, chopped): Offer natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Zucchini (1, chopped): Adds softness and a healthy dose of green to the soup.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (5 cups): The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together without overpowering.
- Diced tomatoes (29 ounces, canned): Infuse the soup with rich, tangy notes and hearty texture.
- Dry brown lentils (2 cups, rinsed and sorted): The nutritious legume that lends body and earthy flavor.
- Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the individual flavors perfectly.
- Ground black pepper (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and subtle heat.
- Fresh basil, oregano, and Parmesan cheese: Optional garnishes that elevate each finished bowl.
How to Make Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Browning the sausage well releases those savory oils and gives the soup an incredible base flavor. Once the sausage is nearly cooked through, toss in the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and golden, infusing the meat with aromatic goodness.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Transfer your beautifully browned sausage and garlic mixture into a large Dutch oven or soup pot. Now, add in the diced onion, celery, carrots, zucchini, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and rinsed brown lentils. Season the entire pot with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to mingle all those wonderful ingredients together, then bring your soup to a gentle boil on the stove.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Lower your stove to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Let the soup cook slowly for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This gives the lentils plenty of time to soften and soak up the savory flavors from the broth and sausage. If you notice the soup getting too thick, don’t hesitate to add a little water, a splash at a time, until you reach that perfect hearty but perfect-consistency texture.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once the lentils are tender and all the flavors have married beautifully, ladle the soup into serving bowls. Sprinkle fresh basil, oregano, or a generous handful of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese on top to add brightness and an extra layer of savory richness. Serve it hot and prepare for a bowlful of comfort.
How to Serve Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil and oregano aren’t just pretty; they bring a refreshing lift to the deep, savory profile of the soup. Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty finish that melts slightly into every spoonful, making it absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
This soup shines wonderfully alongside crusty artisan bread or warm garlic knots. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a crisp contrast to the warm, hearty soup – perfect for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a vibrant presentation, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or garnish with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. You could also sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for an unexpected crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy lentils.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe (which is highly likely because it’s so good), store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and you’ll find the flavors only deepen after resting overnight.
Freezing
This soup freezes exceptionally well. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator or rewarm refrigerated soup gently on the stove over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much. Once heated through, it’s ready to be garnished and enjoyed just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional, you can swap in chicken, turkey, or even chorizo for a different but equally delicious flavor twist. Just adjust the seasoning to balance the change.
What kind of lentils work best?
Brown lentils are ideal here because they hold their shape well and develop a lovely texture. You could experiment with green lentils too, but red lentils tend to break down and make the soup mushier.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing and store it in proper containers. It’s a perfect meal prep delicacy!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the sausage with hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still enjoy a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal.
How thick should the soup be?
The goal is a hearty but slightly brothy texture. If it thickens too much as it simmers, add small amounts of water or broth until it’s just right for your taste.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe enough for those moments when you want a dish that warms your heart and satisfies your hunger. It’s a cozy classic that’s easy to make, packed with nutrition, and endlessly comforting. Next time you’re in need of a soul-soothing meal, give this recipe a try – I promise it will become one of your favorites just like it is mine!
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Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A hearty and flavorful sausage lentil soup recipe made with Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and brown lentils simmered to perfection for a comforting and nutritious meal. This soup combines savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying dish perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or sweet)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
Vegetables
- 1 rib celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 ounces each)
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- 2 cups dry brown lentils, rinsed and sorted
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
Garnishes
- Fresh basil
- Fresh oregano
- Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the Italian sausage. Cook it while breaking it into small crumbles until browned and nearly cooked through. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant to infuse the sausage with garlic flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the browned sausage and garlic to a large Dutch oven. Add the diced onion, chopped celery, carrots, zucchini, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, rinsed lentils, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the Soup: Place the Dutch oven over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid to simmer gently. Allow the soup to cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the flavors meld. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little water gradually to adjust the consistency to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, oregano, and a sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder soup, use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot.
- Rinsing and sorting lentils before cooking ensures any debris is removed and improves texture.
- Feel free to substitute fresh herbs with dried ones if fresh are not available, adjusting quantity accordingly.
- Adding water during simmering helps prevent the soup from becoming overly thick as lentils absorb liquid.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
