If you have a hankering for something hearty, flavorful, and downright comforting, this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with savory Italian sausage, wholesome lentils, and fresh veggies, this soup wraps you in warmth with every spoonful. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy nights, made even better by its simple ingredients and rich depth of taste. Trust me, once you try this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for both family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This sausage lentil soup might seem humble at first glance, but every ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the final dish shine. These basics come together to create a soup that’s both comforting and vibrant, proving that simple ingredients can deliver impressive results.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or sweet): Adds a juicy, spicy kick and rich protein to anchor the soup’s flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic depth.
- 1 onion (diced): Provides a subtle sweetness and the necessary base for the broth.
- 1 rib celery (chopped): Adds a touch of crisp, fresh flavor that balances the richness.
- 2 carrots (chopped): Bring natural sweetness and beautiful color to the pot.
- 1 zucchini (chopped): Offers a tender texture and mild flavor that rounds out the vegetables.
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a savory, flavorful base without overwhelming saltiness.
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes (2 cans): Introduces tanginess and a vibrant, hearty body.
- 2 cups dry brown lentils (rinsed and sorted): The star ingredient, delivering earthy taste and satisfying bite.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice and warmth.
- Fresh basil, fresh oregano, freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: Delicious garnishes that elevate the soup with aromatic, herby freshness and a creamy finish.
How to Make Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Browning the Sausage and Garlic
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat, then crumble in the Italian sausage. Let it brown nicely, releasing those irresistible juices and crisp bits that form the flavor foundation. Just before the sausage is fully cooked, toss in the minced garlic to sauté slightly—it will soften and release its wonderful scent without burning. This flavorful duo is what sets your soup apart right from the start.
Step 2: Combining Ingredients in the Dutch Oven
Transfer the browned sausage and garlic into a large Dutch oven, then add the diced onion, celery, carrots, zucchini, rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the flavors start mingling even before cooking. This mix of ingredients will create a hearty, balanced base to your sausage lentil soup recipe.
Step 3: Bringing It to a Boil
Place your Dutch oven over medium-high heat and bring the contents to a rolling boil. This step helps awaken all the flavors and ensures the lentils begin absorbing the rich broth. It’s the exciting stage where the soup truly begins to transform into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Simmering to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Let the soup gently simmer for about 1 hour. This slow cooking tenderizes the lentils and melds the flavors into a comforting, cohesive masterpiece. Keep an eye on the consistency during simmering—if the soup thickens too much, feel free to stir in a little water until it’s just right for your taste.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
When your soup is ready, sprinkle fresh basil, oregano, and a generous handful of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese on top. These final touches lift the dish with bursts of herbal brightness and creamy savoriness that make each bowl a delight to savor.
How to Serve Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! Fresh basil and oregano add a vibrant herbal punch that contrasts perfectly with the rich sausage and lentils. And Parmesan cheese melts slightly into the hot soup, creating a luxurious, creamy layer of flavor. Consider adding a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you love an extra bit of richness or heat.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or garlic toast makes for an unbeatable combo. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the savory soup by cutting through some of the richness. If you want to keep it light and simple, a few slices of fresh fruit make a refreshing finish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls with fresh herb sprigs on top. You can also ladle the soup into bread bowls for fun, edible serving vessels that soak up every delicious drop. Another idea is to offer a “garnish bar” with Parmesan, herbs, and chili flakes on the side, letting guests customize their bowls to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe keeps incredibly well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store your leftovers in airtight containers to maintain that fresh, hearty flavor and convenient warmth for busy days when you need a quick meal that feels homemade.
Freezing
If you want to save some for much later, this soup freezes beautifully. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing much in taste or texture, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for hectic weeks.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to evenly warm without scorching. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much in storage. The fresh garnishes are best added just before serving to keep their brightness intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this soup?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, so you can swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage, chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage to suit your dietary preferences. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift slightly depending on the type of sausage used.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No need to soak the lentils for this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe. Brown lentils cook relatively quickly and hold their shape well, making them perfect for soups. Just be sure to rinse and sort them to remove any debris before adding to the pot.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
If fresh basil and oregano aren’t available, you can use dried herbs. Use about one-third of the amount called for fresh herbs, and add them earlier in the cooking process to allow their flavors to infuse properly.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage and garlic first, then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until the lentils are tender. This method is incredibly hands-off and results in a deeply flavorful soup.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you choose a gluten-free sausage and broth. It’s a fantastic option if you’re catering to gluten sensitivities or just want a wholesome, nourishing meal.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, packed with flavors and textures that will satisfy your soul. It’s perfect for any day when you crave something cozy but wholesome. Once you give this recipe a try, I’m confident it will become a cherished staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.
Print
Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Hearty and flavorful Sausage Lentil Soup made with Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, lentils, and aromatic herbs, simmered to perfection for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or sweet)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 rib celery (chopped)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 1 zucchini (chopped)
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes (2 (14.5-ounce) cans)
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 and garlic: In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, crumbling it as it cooks. When the sausage is nearly cooked through, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer the cooked sausage and garlic to a large Dutch oven. Add the diced onion, chopped celery, carrots, zucchini, rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a boil: Place the Dutch oven over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and add water if the soup becomes too thick to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Once the lentils are tender and the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and sprinkle fresh basil, oregano, and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Adjust sausage spice level by choosing hot or sweet Italian sausage according to your taste preference.
- Rinse and sort lentils carefully to remove any debris.
- If the soup thickens too much during simmering, add water or additional broth to thin it to your liking.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs if fresh is unavailable, but use sparingly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
