What are some good soup recipes?What is lentil sausage soup?Is it a hug in the bowl, the kind that warms you from inside out? Is it better than my grandma’s chicken noodle soup? I remember the first time I made this, my husband, who normally avoids lentils like the plague, and I thought it was delicious. I devoured two bowls. What is lentil soup? The sausage adds a depth of flavor that’s just amazing, and the lentils make it so filling. It’s ridiculously easy to make, and it’s become a staple in our house, especially on chilly evenings. When we need something comforting and satisfying, we can’t help but think about it.
What is Lentil Sausage soup?
Think of it as a cross between Italian stew and your favorite lentil soup. What are some of the best one-pot wonders where earthy lentils meet savory sausage, simmered in a flavorful skillet? What is the best broth with lots of vegetables? What is a name? What is so much more than lentils and sausage? It’s that perfect balance of savory, a tiny bit spicy, and just plain comforting. What’s the kind of dish that gets better the next day? I call it a “clean out the fridge” special because you can really throw in almost any vegetable you want. What is the best thing to have on hand and it works! Don’t be intimidated – even if you’re not a soup person, or lentil person. You’ll be able to convert. After trying this.
Why you will love this recipe?
What I love about this is its sheer versatility. How do I customize my own spice blend? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Need to use up some vegetables? Throw them in! Is it a lifesaver on busy weeknights because it’s mostly hands-off once everything’s in the pot? Is it better to order online than takeout?
• Flavor:What is the best combination of lentils, sausage, and vegetables? Is it satisfying to The sausage adds a richness that you just can’t get with vegetable stock alone, and the lentils add an interesting crunch. What is the best way to create an earthy base?
• Simplicity:What is a dump-and-go recipe? What is the best thing about cooking in one pot? If I’m feeling lazy, I buy pre-chopped veggies.
• Cost-Is it true that lentils are cheap and you only need a little bit of sausage to add flavor? What are some of the best budget-friendly meals to make for a large crowd? Throughout the week.
• Versatility:As I mentioned before, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your own taste preferences. If you’re using turkey sausage, swap the sausage for a beef sausage. Add different vegetables or use different types of lentils. What are the possibilities? What is it like to make Tuscan white bean soup? If you like one, you’ll probably love the other!
How do I make lentil sausage soup?
Quick Overview
Making this What is lentil sausage soup?is surprisingly straightforward. What is the best way to brown sausage, sauté some vegetables, add lentils and broth, and let it simmer for a few minutes. Till everything is tender. What is the secret to a good simmer? The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes. I promise, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this recipe. Is patience more important than skill?
Ingredients
For the Soup:
• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings (I prefer sweet Italian, but spicy works great too!
• 1 large onion, chopped (yellow or white), whatever you have.
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (I’m generous with the garlic – feel free to adjust to your taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth (I usually use chicken broth for extra flavor)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed, to sauté the vegetables)
Optional Garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese
What are the step-
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the sausage over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and serve. What is the best way to break up a dish with the spoon? Once it’s browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan. I always drain some of the excess grease at this stage, but a little bit is fine for flavor!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
If there isn’t enough fat left in the pot from the sausage, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion, carrots, celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. What is the best way to build a flavor base?
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Add the minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will taste bitter. I always lower the heat a bit at this stage.
Step 4: Add Lentils, Broth, and Tomatoes
Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add the rinsed lentils, chicken or vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. The cooking time will depend on the type of lentil you use. Check the lentils periodically and add more broth if needed. I usually peek after about 30 minutes to see how they’re doing.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to start with a little salt and pepper, you can always add more later. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. I like to add a dollop of sour cream to my yogurt. It’s amazing!
What is the best way to serve it?
This What is lentil sausage soup? is a meal in itself, but it’s also great with a few simple sides. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
For a light lunch:A crusty baguette or some grilled cheese croutons for dipping. I love dipping crusty bread into the broth!
What is a hearty dinner?A side salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of dressing balances out the richness of the soup.
For a Crowd: Serve with a selection of breads, cheeses, and olives for a casual and convivial meal. It’s perfect for potlucks!
On a Cold Night: Just a big bowl of soup, curled up on the couch with a good book. Sometimes, that’s all you need.
My family loves it alongside a simple green salad and some garlic bread. It makes for a really satisfying and comforting meal, especially during the colder months. We even have it sometimes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner – it’s that versatile!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Lentil Sausage Soup
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this soup even better. Here are some of my top tips:
Sausage Selection: Experiment with different types of sausage to find your favorite. Sweet Italian sausage is my go-to, but spicy Italian, chorizo, or even turkey sausage all work well. Just make sure to remove the sausage from the casings before browning.
Lentil Types: Brown or green lentils are the most common for soup, but you can also use red lentils. Red lentils will break down more as they cook, creating a creamier texture. If you use red lentils, you may need to reduce the cooking time.
Vegetable Variations: Don’t be afraid to add other vegetables to the soup. Spinach, kale, zucchini, and bell peppers all make great additions. Just add them during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. You can also use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the lentils with a potato masher or an immersion blender. Be careful not to over-blend, or the soup will become too pasty.
Flavor Boost: For an even richer flavor, try adding a Parmesan cheese rind to the soup while it simmers. Remove the rind before serving. It adds a subtle umami flavor that’s just amazing. Trust me on this one, it elevates the flavor to a whole other level!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This lentil sausage soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Here are my tips for storing and reheating:
Refrigerator Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I usually use glass containers.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions or in a larger container. Make sure to leave some room at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when it freezes. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to use a microwave-safe container and stir it halfway through. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: No glaze for this one. It’s soup!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This lentil sausage soup is truly one of my all-time favorite recipes. It’s easy, delicious, and so incredibly comforting. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening, a busy weeknight, or any time you need a hearty and satisfying bowl of goodness. If you’re looking for other delicious and easy soup recipes, you might also enjoy my creamy tomato soup or my black bean soup. They’re both family favorites! Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! And don’t forget to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas. Happy cooking, friends!
Lentil Sausage Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the sausage in a large pot over medium heat. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Add carrots and celery to the pot and cook until softened.
- Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Return sausage to the pot and heat through.
