There’s just something magical about a simmering pot of Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe gently bubbling away on the stove. This is one of those soul-warming dishes I can’t get enough of, especially when the weather turns chilly and you want a meal that feels like a big, delicious hug. Savory Italian sausage, hearty lentils, vibrant vegetables, and a swirl of greens mingle together in a deeply flavorful broth—making every spoonful satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this is a recipe that promises comfort and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe are beautifully simple yet each one plays a starring role in creating layers of taste, color, and texture. Don’t be tempted to skip any—the magic really happens when everything comes together!
- Italian sausage: Brings robust flavor and a savory, meaty bite; try mild or spicy depending on your preference.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the ingredients for that essential base flavor.
- Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and depth.
- Carrots: Offer a subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
- Celery: Adds classic soup crunch and earthiness.
- Garlic: Infuses the whole pot with irresistible aroma and taste.
- Dried thyme: Gives the broth a cozy, herbaceous note.
- Dried oregano: Adds a Mediterranean touch and warmth.
- Smoked paprika: Lends smokiness and a hint of deep red color.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a little kick if you like things spicy.
- Dried brown or green lentils: The hearty base—these hold their shape and soak up flavor beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes: Add brightness, acidity, and a touch of sweetness to round out the soup.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: The flavorful foundation that ties everything together.
- Bay leaves: Create an aromatic backbone that elevates the soup’s complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
- Fresh spinach or kale: Stirred in at the end for a boost of color, nutrients, and freshness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Perfect for a salty, creamy finish on top.
How to Make Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage (casings removed) and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You want the sausage to be browned and cooked through, as this is what gives the soup its rich, savory backbone. Once it’s ready, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving a bit of that flavorful fat in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Now, toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery right into the pot. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and get wonderfully fragrant. This is the moment when your kitchen begins to smell like home!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a little heat. Let these cook for just a minute, so the garlic and spices bloom and infuse everything with their aroma. This step layers in tons of flavor and gives the Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe its signature character.
Step 4: Combine Lentils, Tomatoes, Broth, and Bay Leaves
Pour in the rinsed lentils, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), your broth of choice, and drop in the bay leaves. Give everything a good stir, bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed all those delicious flavors.
Step 5: Finish with Sausage and Greens
Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the chopped spinach or kale. Cook for another 5 minutes, just until the greens are wilted and vibrant. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaves before serving!
How to Serve Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches can really elevate your Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe. A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top is a must for me—it melts into the soup, adding a salty, creamy richness. A drizzle of good olive oil or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley can also add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with a slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette for dunking; it’s just the thing to soak up every last drop. If you want to round out your meal, a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil makes a perfect, refreshing side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a swirl of pesto or a dollop of ricotta on top. Or, ladle smaller portions into mugs for a comforting appetizer at a casual gathering. This Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe looks especially inviting when served family-style in a big pot right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup only gets better as it sits, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead! Let any leftover Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making for even tastier lunches and dinners.
Freezing
Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe is a freezer superstar. Simply portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It’ll keep its hearty goodness for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pour soup into a pot and warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If it’s thickened up in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. For a quick lunch, you can also microwave individual portions in a covered bowl until steaming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Soup
Absolutely! While Italian sausage brings a lot of flavor, you can swap in chicken sausage for a lighter touch or even use turkey sausage. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned to keep the soup flavorful.
What kind of lentils work best in this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe?
Brown or green lentils are perfect since they hold their shape and absorb flavors without turning mushy. Red lentils will break down more and create a thicker, stew-like texture—still tasty, just a different vibe!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You sure can! Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. For extra heartiness, consider adding diced mushrooms or plant-based sausage. The rest of the Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe remains just as comforting and delicious.
How spicy is this soup?
That’s totally up to you! Mild sausage and omitting the red pepper flakes will keep things gentle. If you like heat, use spicy sausage and add all the red pepper flakes your heart desires.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. This soup is super flexible—toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes for extra color and nutrition. Just chop everything into bite-size pieces so it cooks evenly with the lentils.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a bowl of something hearty, nourishing, and packed with flavor, this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe is a must-try. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do—don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your kitchen too!
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Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe is a hearty and flavorful meal combining savory Italian sausage with nutritious lentils and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is easy to prepare and packed with protein and fiber, making it both satisfying and wholesome. The Italian-inspired spices and optional Parmesan topping add depth and richness to every bowl.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (chopped)
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils (rinsed)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Optional Toppings
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a little fat in the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Combine Lentils and Liquids: Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with juice, chicken or vegetable broth, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Sausage and Greens: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir in the chopped spinach or kale. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
- It freezes well for up to 3 months; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- For a lighter version, substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
