If you’re craving a soul-warming bowl of comfort food that’s both hearty and packed with flavor, this Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. The rich, savory taste of Italian sausage blends beautifully with tender lentils, fresh vegetables, and warming herbs, creating a soup that’s not only nourishing but incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to deliver big on taste and texture every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step to creating a soup that’s bursting with flavor and comforting goodness. Each element plays its part, whether it’s adding depth, heartiness, or vibrant color to your bowl.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base that helps cook the sausage and veggies evenly.
- Italian sausage: Choose mild or spicy for your preferred heat level, and removing the casings allows it to crumble perfectly into the soup.
- Onion: Provides natural sweetness and a subtle aromatic foundation.
- Carrots: Bring a touch of earthiness and sweetness along with a pop of color.
- Celery: Contributes a mild bitterness and crunch, balancing the soup.
- Garlic: Creates warm, fragrant undertones that enhance the soup’s complexity.
- Dried oregano: Offers a hint of Mediterranean herbiness.
- Dried thyme: Lends an earthy aroma that pairs perfectly with lentils.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who like a little heat.
- Brown or green lentils: The star ingredient providing protein, fiber, and a lovely texture.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Adds acidity and a fresh, vibrant layer to the broth.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Bay leaf: Infuses subtle depth during simmering to elevate the soup’s flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the taste.
- Chopped kale or spinach (optional): For a healthy, vibrant green finish that adds texture and nutrients.
- Grated Parmesan: A delicious optional topping that adds savory richness when serving.
How to Make Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, which usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the pot, feel free to drain it for a lighter soup without sacrificing flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Aromatics
Next, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Let these sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and their natural sweetness starts to come out. Stir in garlic, oregano, thyme, and the optional red pepper flakes, cooking for just another minute to release those wonderful aromas that will become the heart of your soup.
Step 3: Add Lentils, Tomatoes, and Broth
Now it’s time to add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken or vegetable broth, and the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. This step is where all those wonderful ingredients begin to meld together.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Lower the heat, cover your pot, and let the soup simmer for 30 to 35 minutes. This is when the lentils soften and absorb all those savory flavors, transforming the broth into a rich, comforting meal.
Step 5: Add Greens and Final Seasoning
For an extra boost of color and nutrition, stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking—just enough to wilt them beautifully without losing their vibrant green hue. Remove the bay leaf, then taste the soup and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
How to Serve Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top takes this soup from great to unforgettable by adding a sharp, salty finish. For extra flair, a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of fresh chopped parsley can brighten up the bowl even more.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that delicious broth. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables also complement it beautifully, balancing the heartiness of the soup with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, ladle the soup into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls, making the meal feel cozy and special. Alternatively, top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to add creamy richness and a touch of tang that plays wonderfully against the savory sausage and earthy lentils.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe keeps amazingly well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container, and you’ll have ready-to-go comfort whenever you need it.
Freezing
If you want to prep meals in advance, this soup freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion, and it will stay flavorful for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftover soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water to return it to the perfect, comforting consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to use chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, and you’ll still get that wonderful savory flavor.
Are lentils difficult to cook?
Not at all. Lentils don’t require soaking and cook quickly, making them an easy and nutritious choice for soups like this one.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the sausage and use vegetable broth, and consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that savory depth. Adding mushrooms can also boost umami flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
As long as your sausage is gluten-free, this dish naturally contains no gluten, making it safe and delicious for those with gluten sensitivities.
What can I add to increase the soup’s protein?
Besides the sausage and lentils, you could stir in cooked beans or a handful of quinoa toward the end of cooking for an added protein boost.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a warm bowl of Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe that comforts the soul and satisfies the appetite. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big, cozy hug on a chilly day, easy to make but leaving a lasting impression. So don’t wait—grab your ingredients, get cooking, and discover why this soup quickly becomes a cherished favorite for anyone lucky enough to taste it.
Print
Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty Sausage and Lentil Soup combines flavorful Italian sausage, tender lentils, and fresh vegetables in a comforting broth. Perfect for cold weather, this nutritious soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with greens like kale or spinach. It’s a wholesome meal that stores well and freezes beautifully for convenient leftovers.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute more to release the flavors.
- Add Lentils and Liquids: Stir in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken or vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Mix everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Incorporate Greens and Finish: If using kale or spinach, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking until wilted. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and optionally top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread if desired.
Notes
- This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully for longer storage.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar just before serving.
- Choose gluten-free sausage to keep the recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Can be made spicier by increasing crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
