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
Scale
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.
