If you’re after a meal that wraps you in a cozy hug and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, look no further than the Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe. Hearty lentils, zesty sausage, and a medley of veggies come together in one comforting pot to make a deeply satisfying soup that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. With wholesome ingredients and bold flavors, this is a go-to dish for chilly evenings, busy weeks, or anytime you crave something soul-warming and utterly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe comes from using simple, everyday staples—each one balancing flavor, nutrition, and rustic charm. Every ingredient is chosen for the way it enriches the broth, lends a vibrant color, or provides that signature heartiness we all crave in a great soup.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing, adding a subtle richness to every spoonful.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The flavor star—choose your preferred heat to personalize the soup’s kick.
- Onion: Delivers aromatic depth and sweet undertones after simmering.
- Carrots: Adds bursts of color and natural sweetness for balance.
- Celery: Classic for soups, giving a gentle earthiness and texture.
- Garlic: A fragrant essential, it weaves bold flavor throughout the broth.
- Dried brown or green lentils: Hearty, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up all the savory notes.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Brings acidity and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with sausage.
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Forms the soul-soothing, sippable foundation of the soup.
- Dried thyme: Adds gentle herbal notes that round out the flavor.
- Dried oregano: For a pop of warmth and depth so classic in Italian-inspired soups.
- Bay leaf: Infuses a subtle, complex background aroma as it simmers.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
- Fresh spinach or kale (optional): If you like greens in your soup, toss in a handful for extra texture and nutrients.
- Grated Parmesan for serving (optional): A final flourish that adds salty, savory richness with every bite.
How to Make Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drop in your Italian sausage (mild or spicy, whichever you’re craving), breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it get perfectly browned and cooked through—this is where the irresistible savory flavor begins! If your sausage releases extra fat, feel free to spoon off any excess grease before moving on.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Now, toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. These veggies add essential heart, sweetness, and body to this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is softening and starting to glisten. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for just one more minute, releasing its wonderful aroma.
Step 3: Simmer with Lentils and Broth
Add your lentils, diced tomatoes with their juice, the broth of your choice, dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, plus a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, then bring it up to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, and enjoy how your kitchen starts to smell like absolute comfort as the lentils turn tender and the flavors meld.
Step 4: Add Greens and Finish
If you’re using spinach or kale, stir it in for the last 5 minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt beautifully, adding both nutrients and a fresh, earthy note. Before serving, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf—you’ve squeezed out every bit of flavor it has to give!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your piping hot soup into bowls and, if you’re feeling fancy, finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Grab a slice of crusty bread on the side and dig in—the Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe is ready to make you swoon!
How to Serve Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan is classic, but don’t be afraid to pile on some chopped fresh parsley, a crack of black pepper, or even a drizzle of good olive oil. These finishing touches not only add flavor but also make your bowl pop with color, turning the everyday Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe into something special every time.
Side Dishes
There’s nothing quite like dunking a chunk of rustic, crusty bread into your soup for that satisfying bite. If you want to go the extra mile, serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or a platter of roasted vegetables. The soup itself is protein-packed and filling, so keep sides light and fresh for the perfect balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to dazzle at a dinner party or simply make weeknight soup more exciting? Try serving this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible presentation. Or, ladle it into small cups for a cozy appetizer. Top with microgreens, swirl in a dollop of pesto, or crisp up extra sausage slices for a playful garnish that will create a little wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the many joys of the Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe is how marvelously it holds up for leftovers. Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This soup is very freezer-friendly. Just ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (leave some space for expansion) and freeze for up to three months. When you’re craving a bowl, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge so the texture stays just right.
Reheating
When reheating leftover Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s thickened a bit in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. It’s also microwave-friendly—simply cover and heat in bursts, stirring between each round, until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Soup
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds classic flavor, you can swap in smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you like—it’s a flexible base that adapts well to your preference.
What type of lentils are best for this soup?
Brown and green lentils are perfect in this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe because they hold their shape and offer a satisfying, hearty bite. Red lentils will break down more and give the soup a creamier texture, if you like it that way.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Just leave out the sausage (or replace with a plant-based version) and choose vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like mushrooms for a wonderful depth of flavor.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes—this is one of those magical recipes that actually tastes better the next day! All the flavors meld together overnight, so feel free to make it ahead for easy meals all week long.
What else can I add to customize this soup?
You can toss in chopped zucchini, bell pepper, sweet potatoes, or even a handful of cooked pasta in the last minutes of simmering. Feel free to play around—this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe is endlessly adaptable.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling pot of Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe, especially when you know every ingredient brings warmth, nourishment, and big flavor. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or a cozy evening alone, give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed how a few humble ingredients create something truly special!
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Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting Sausage Lentil Soup recipe that is perfect for the colder months. This flavorful soup combines Italian sausage, brown lentils, vegetables, and savory herbs, topped with Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove excess grease if needed. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- If using, stir in spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan if desired. Serve with crusty bread.
Notes
Notes:
- You can use precooked sausage—just slice and brown before adding vegetables.
- For a smoky twist, use smoked sausage or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
