Description
A comforting and hearty Sausage Lentil Soup packed with protein-rich lentils, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful Italian sausage. This easy one-pot dish is perfect for busy weeknights and is easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or healthier alternatives.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Soup Base:
- 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 cans, 14.5 ounces each)
- 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
- Brown the Sausage:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up into small crumbles as it browns. When the sausage is nearly cooked through, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. - Combine Ingredients:
Transfer the cooked sausage and garlic to a large Dutch oven. Add the onion, celery, carrots, zucchini, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, lentils, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. - Simmer the Soup:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the soup to cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender. If the soup thickens too much, add water gradually to reach your desired consistency. - Garnish and Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh basil, oregano, or Parmesan cheese, as desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to customize this soup with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers and mushrooms are excellent additions.
- For a nutrient boost, stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking.
- Swap the ground sausage for ground turkey to make it lighter without compromising flavor.
- Ensure that the lentils are cooked until tender but not mushy for the best texture.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months for a quick meal later on.
- Nutritional information does not include optional garnishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
