If you are craving a soul-warming, hearty meal that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the rich, savory taste of Italian sausage with the earthy goodness of lentils and fresh vegetables, this soup brings comfort and nutrition all in one delicious bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe promises satisfying texture, bold aromas, and a beautiful medley of colors that invite you to dig in again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the spicy or sweet Italian sausage that adds a meaty punch, to the vibrant vegetables and herbs that brighten the dish, these simple staples come together to create something truly special.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Choose hot or sweet based on your spice preference; browns beautifully and infuses the broth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides fragrant depth and a slight pungency that wakes up the palate.
- Onion (1, diced): Adds natural sweetness and a foundational aromatic base.
- Celery (1 rib, chopped): Gives a subtle crunch and slight earthiness to the soup.
- Carrots (2, chopped): Offer a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- Zucchini (1, chopped): Brings softness and fresh green notes, balancing the richer ingredients.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (5 cups): Creates the flavorful liquid base while allowing control over saltiness.
- Diced tomatoes (29 ounces): Two cans add acidity, moisture, and a bright tomato flavor.
- Dry brown lentils (2 cups): Packed with protein and fiber, they thicken the soup and offer a satisfying bite.
- Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and a subtle spicy kick.
- Fresh basil: Adds a sweet, herbaceous punch at the end for brightness.
- Fresh oregano: Brings an earthy, slightly peppery herbal note to complement the sausage.
- Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that lends salty creaminess and umami.
How to Make Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Garlic
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the Italian sausage. As it cooks, break it into small crumbles to ensure every bite is packed with flavorful browned bits. Once the sausage is nearly cooked through, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté just until it becomes fragrant, which should take less than a minute. This fragrant base sets the stage for the entire soup.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Dutch Oven
Next, transfer the sausage and garlic into a large Dutch oven. Add diced onion, chopped celery, carrots, zucchini, the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, rinsed and sorted lentils, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and bring the mixture to a rolling boil to meld the ingredients.
Step 3: Simmer Until Lentils are Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover with a lid. Let the soup cook gently for about one hour, stirring occasionally to avoid any sticking. This slow simmer allows the lentils to soften completely, the flavors to harmonize, and the broth to thicken. If the soup turns too thick for your liking, gradually add water to reach the perfect consistency.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese
Finally, ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with fresh basil and oregano, sprinkled generously for a lively herbal brightness. Don’t forget a dusting of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese for that creamy, salty finish that makes each spoonful irresistible. Serve immediately and prepare for plenty of compliments!
How to Serve Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil and oregano are the stars when it comes to garnishing this soup. They add a fresh punch and brighten the savory richness beautifully. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese melts slightly into the warm broth, creating a luscious texture and depth. For extra flavor, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate your serving even more.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or garlic toast, perfect for dipping into the fragrant broth. A simple green salad with vinaigrette can provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the soup’s warm, earthy flavors. Roasted vegetables or a light pasta salad also complement this dish nicely for a fuller meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just treat yourself, present the soup in rustic bowls with a small plate of assorted cheeses and olives on the side. For a cozy winter night, serve it in mini bread bowls for an all-in-one edible experience. Alternatively, layering freshly cracked black pepper and herbs over the top just before serving adds a pop of color and flavor that makes it look as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate leftover Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Because the flavors deepen over time, leftovers often taste even better the next day. Just be sure to cool the soup completely before storing to maintain its freshness.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, press out as much air as possible before sealing.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of water or broth to bring back the perfect consistency. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen to ensure even heating and to preserve the texture of the lentils and vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage can be great leaner alternatives. Just make sure the sausage you choose has bold seasoning to keep the soup flavorful.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No soaking is necessary for brown lentils, which cook relatively quickly and hold their shape well in the soup. Simply rinse and sort them to remove any debris before adding.
Can this soup be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the sausage and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke can help mimic the smoky depth the sausage provides.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! After browning the sausage and garlic, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until lentils are tender.
How spicy is this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe?
The spice level depends on the sausage you choose. Using hot Italian sausage will give the soup a moderate heat, while sweet sausage will keep it mild but flavorful. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes for extra kick if desired.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe is truly a star when you want something warm, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s a dish that brings friends and family together, perfect for any occasion from busy weeknights to lazy weekends. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again, enjoying every hearty, flavorful spoonful.
Print
Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (about 8 bowls)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Sausage Lentil Soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender brown lentils, and fresh vegetables simmered to perfection in a flavorful tomato and chicken broth base. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is rich in protein and fiber and is topped with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or sweet)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
Vegetables
- 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 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 and garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it, breaking it into small crumbles until browned and nearly cooked through. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine ingredients in Dutch oven: Transfer the cooked sausage and garlic to a large Dutch oven. Add the diced onion, chopped celery, carrots, zucchini, low-sodium chicken broth, diced tomatoes, rinsed brown lentils, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir everything well to combine.
- Simmer the soup: Place the Dutch oven on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. 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. Check the lentils for tenderness and add water if the soup becomes too thick to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and garnish: Once lentils are tender and the soup is flavorful, ladle it into bowls. Sprinkle fresh basil, oregano, and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese on top as desired. Serve the soup hot and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use either hot or sweet Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Rinsing and sorting the lentils removes any debris and ensures even cooking.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Add extra water or broth during simmering if you want a thinner soup consistency.
- Fresh herbs and Parmesan add brightness and depth but can be omitted for dairy-free or vegan diets.
