Description
Hearty and comforting, this Lentil and Sausage Soup is a nutritious one-pot meal packed with rich flavors from Italian sausage, wholesome brown lentils, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a satisfying dinner that warms the soul.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- Spinach or kale, chopped (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Heat oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook sausage: Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add lentils and broth: Stir in the rinsed brown lentils, chicken broth, thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add greens and finish: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot as a hearty and nourishing main course soup.
Notes
- This soup freezes beautifully; portion into airtight containers for convenient meal prep.
- For a spicier variation, add red pepper flakes while cooking the sausage.
- Use vegetable broth and omit sausage for a vegetarian version.
- Leftover soup thickens when refrigerated; add extra broth or water when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
