If you’re looking for a hearty, soul-warming meal that’s packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining spicy or sweet Italian sausage with tender lentils, fresh veggies, and a rich tomato base, it’s a comforting soup that never fails to satisfy. Every spoonful brings a perfect balance of savory, earthy, and bright notes, making it an ideal dish for cozy nights or family dinners. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your favorites to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe comes together with simple, fresh ingredients that each play an essential role. From the savory sausage that adds depth and protein to the fresh aromatics and colorful vegetables, every component contributes to the beautiful balance of taste, texture, and color in this dish.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Choose hot or sweet based on your preferred level of spice; this is the star protein that flavors the soup.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds an aromatic punch and subtle sweetness when sautéed.
- Onion (1, diced): Provides a foundational sweetness and texture to the soup base.
- Celery (1 rib, chopped): Brings a fresh, slightly crisp element with subtle herbal undertones.
- Carrots (2, chopped): Impart natural sweetness and a lovely orange color.
- Zucchini (1, chopped): Adds lightness and a tender bite that balances the heartiness.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (5 cups): A flavorful liquid base that keeps the soup lighter in sodium but rich in taste.
- Diced tomatoes (29 ounces, 2 cans): Bring a bright acidity and vibrant color, enriching the broth’s complexity.
- Dry brown lentils (2 cups, rinsed and sorted): The nutritious, protein-packed heart of the soup, providing body and earthiness.
- Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances and balances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Ground black pepper (2 teaspoons): A subtle heat that complements the sausage and vegetables.
- Fresh basil: A fragrant herb to finish the soup with a bright, sweet note.
- Fresh oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery herbal kick at serving.
- Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for an indulgent finishing touch.
How to Make Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. This step not only browns the meat for rich flavor but also releases delicious fat that will infuse the entire dish. When the sausage is almost fully cooked, toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. This quick garlic sauté in the rendered sausage fat creates a deeply savory base you’ll love.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Once your sausage and garlic are ready, transfer everything to a large Dutch oven. Add in the onion, celery, carrots, zucchini, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, lentils, kosher salt, and black pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine the layers of flavor. This step is where the magic of the Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe starts to come together as the ingredients begin to mingle in one pot.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Bring the pot to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover it with a lid. Let your soup cook patiently for about one hour, stirring occasionally. The lentils will soften and absorb all those rich flavors while the vegetables reach that perfect tender texture. If the soup thickens more than you like, just add a little water to loosen it up and achieve your desired consistency. This slow simmering transforms a simple set of ingredients into a heartwarming bowl of goodness.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
After your soup is cooked through and has thickened beautifully, ladle it into bowls. Sprinkle fresh basil, oregano, and a generous handful of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese on top. This final flourish adds brightness, herbal complexity, and that irresistible cheesy finish that makes every spoonful special. Now it’s ready to be enjoyed hot, perfect for satisfying any craving for comfort food.
How to Serve Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as basil and oregano are classic garnishes that bring a vibrant freshness to the soup. A sprinkling of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the sausage and lentils. For an extra touch, a drizzle of good quality olive oil can elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This robust soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic-rubbed toasts, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit. A simple green salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette serves as a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup, rounding out the meal with crisp textures and zesty brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe in individual bread bowls or rustic mugs. You can also garnish with a dollop of crème fraîche or a spoonful of pesto for an unexpected flavor twist. Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top provides a subtle heat kick if you love a bit of spice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve all those fresh flavors and hearty textures. The lentils will continue to soak up the broth a little, so it often tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a later date, this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much during storage. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a covered container, heating in short intervals and stirring in between for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage works beautifully, you can swap in chorizo, chicken sausage, or even a spicy merguez for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly to keep the balance.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No need to soak the brown lentils for this soup. Just rinse and sort them to remove any debris, and they’ll cook perfectly during the simmering process without added prep time.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add extra hearty vegetables or a plant-based sausage alternative to maintain the richness.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be thick and hearty but still have enough broth to be enjoyed as a comforting spoonful. If it gets too thick, simply add broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat slowly over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Adding a little water or broth before reheating helps keep the soup moist and prevents it from drying out.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The blend of savory sausage, nutty lentils, and fresh vegetables creates a vibrant, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon understand why it’s a go-to comfort dish that brings joy to the table every time.
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Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Sausage Lentil Soup combines savory Italian sausage with nutritious brown lentils and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful tomato and chicken broth base. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is rich in protein and fiber, offering a satisfying balance of taste and nutrition.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or sweet)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 rib celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
Broth and Canned Goods
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 ounces each)
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- 2 cups dry brown lentils, rinsed and sorted
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
Garnishes
- Fresh basil
- Fresh oregano
- Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it, breaking it up into small crumbles as it browns. When the sausage is nearly cooked through, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, releasing the sausage’s full flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked sausage and garlic into a large Dutch oven. Add diced onion, chopped celery, carrots, zucchini, low-sodium chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juices, rinsed brown lentils, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the Dutch oven over high heat and bring the soup mixture to a full boil, allowing all ingredients to meld and heat evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the lentils to soften and the flavors to develop robustly. If the soup thickens beyond your liking, gradually add water to adjust consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, fresh oregano, and a sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese according to your preference. Serve immediately for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with smoked tofu or omit entirely and use vegetable broth.
- Rinsing lentils thoroughly helps remove any debris or dust.
- Adding fresh herbs at the end retains their vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preferences, especially if using a salted broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
