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Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews

This hearty Sausage Lentil Soup combines savory Italian sausage with nutritious brown lentils and fresh vegetables, simmered together in a flavorful broth. With robust flavors from garlic, onion, and tomatoes, this comforting soup is perfect for any season and makes a filling meal that balances protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Vegetables

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or sweet)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 rib celery, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped

Broth and Lentils

  • 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 29 ounces diced tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 ounces each)
  • 2 cups dry brown lentils, rinsed and sorted
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh basil
  • Fresh oregano
  • Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Italian Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, crumble and brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the minced garlic, diced onion, chopped celery, carrots, and zucchini to the pot. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.
  3. Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Lentils: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Add the rinsed brown lentils, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender and flavors meld together.
  5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to your preference. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, fresh oregano, and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • You can use either hot or sweet Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
  • Rinsing and sorting lentils removes debris and ensures even cooking.
  • If the soup thickens too much, add additional chicken broth or water to reach desired consistency.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • This soup stores well and often tastes better the next day after flavors develop.

Keywords: Italian sausage soup, lentil soup, healthy soup, hearty dinner, dinner soup, comfort food, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/sausage-lentil-soup-recipe/