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
Scale
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
