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
Scale
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.
