Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sausage and Lentil Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with savory sausage, nutritious lentils, and flavorful vegetables. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a filling, nourishing meal, this soup is easy to prepare and even better as leftovers, making it a wonderful addition to your meal rotation.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

olive oilItalian sausage (mild or spicy)onioncarrotscelerygarlictomatoes (diced, canned or fresh)brown or green lentilschicken or vegetable brothbay leavesthyme (fresh or dried)parsley (optional, for garnish)salt and pepper

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Remove sausage from casing if necessary, and cook it in the pot until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add diced tomatoes, lentils, broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 40 minutesTotal time: 55 minutes

Variations

Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.

Add chopped kale or spinach in the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra greens.

Swap lentils for split peas or another type of bean.

Incorporate a splash of red wine for deeper flavor.

Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky twist.

storage/reheating

Store Sausage and Lentil Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.The soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage? Yes, just slice and brown it slightly for flavor before adding the vegetables.

Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.

Do I need to soak the lentils first? No soaking is necessary; just rinse them before using.

What type of lentils works best? Brown or green lentils hold their shape best during cooking.

Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, brown the sausage and vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Is this soup spicy? It depends on the sausage you choose; use mild sausage for a non-spicy version.

Can I add potatoes? Yes, diced potatoes can be added with the lentils.

How do I thicken the soup? You can mash some of the lentils after cooking or let the soup simmer uncovered longer.

Can I add pasta? Yes, small pasta shapes can be added in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

What herbs go well in this soup? Besides thyme, oregano, rosemary, or basil can complement the flavors nicely.

Conclusion

Sausage and Lentil Soup is a cozy, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable. Whether you enjoy it fresh or as a make-ahead freezer meal, it’s sure to warm you up and satisfy your hunger with every delicious spoonful. Give this recipe a try for your next comforting dinner!