Description
This hearty Sausage Lentil Soup combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with nutritious lentils and fresh vegetables in a savory broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, this recipe is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and wholesome dish that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or sweet)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 rib celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes (2 (14.5-ounce) cans)
- 2 cups dry brown lentils, rinsed and sorted
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil
- Fresh oregano
- Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic, diced onion, chopped celery, and chopped carrots to the pot with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add zucchini and liquids: Stir in the chopped zucchini, then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Mix well.
- Add lentils and seasonings: Stir in rinsed brown lentils, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 35-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, fresh oregano, and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- This soup can be made with either hot or sweet Italian sausage depending on your preferred spice level.
- Rinse and sort lentils thoroughly to remove any debris before cooking.
- For a thicker soup, cook uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce some liquid.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze nicely for up to 3 months.
- To make it gluten free, verify that the Italian sausage is gluten free.
Keywords: sausage lentil soup, Italian sausage soup, lentil soup with sausage, healthy lentil soup, easy stovetop soup