If you are craving a hearty, comforting, and nutritious meal, this Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a steaming bowl filled with rich Italian sausage, tender brown lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs all melding together in a savory broth. It’s a dish that not only warms you up but also fills you with that satisfying feeling of home-cooked goodness. Whether it’s a chilly night or you simply want a bowl full of flavor, this soup will quickly prove itself as a family favorite you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward and wholesome ingredients, each chosen to bring depth, texture, and brightness to the bowl. Every item, from the spicy or sweet Italian sausage to the fresh zucchini and herbs, plays a crucial part in creating a perfectly balanced, delicious dish.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or sweet): Adds rich, savory flavor and a touch of spice or sweetness depending on your preference.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Provides aromatic depth that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 1 onion (diced): Brings sweetness and a foundational flavor to the soup.
- 1 rib celery (chopped): Adds a subtle earthiness and slight crunch.
- 2 carrots (chopped): Offers natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 zucchini (chopped): Contributes fresh, tender texture while keeping it light.
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together without overpowering.
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes (2 cans): Introduces acidity and richness to balance the lentils and sausage.
- 2 cups dry brown lentils (rinsed and sorted): The hearty protein-packed star that soaks up all the amazing flavors.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances the overall taste and brings out the natural flavors.
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.
- Fresh basil: For bright, herby notes as a finishing touch.
- Fresh oregano: Complements the basil with its robust, slightly minty flavor.
- Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory finish that takes the soup over the top.
How to Make Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks so it browns evenly. This step is crucial because it develops the savory depth that forms the backbone of your soup. When the sausage is nearly cooked through, toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—this will infuse the meat with a warm, irresistible aroma.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Dutch Oven
Transfer the browned sausage and garlic into a large Dutch oven. Add in the diced onion, celery, carrots, zucchini, chicken broth, canned tomatoes, rinsed lentils, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bringing all these ingredients together creates the perfect base, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully as the soup cooks.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer
Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. This slow simmer is where the magic happens—letting the lentils cook down to tender perfection while allowing the rich broth to deepen in flavor.
Step 4: Let the Lentils Cook Until Tender
Let your soup gently simmer for about one hour. During this time, the lentils will soften, the vegetables will meld with the meat, and the broth will thicken slightly with all those delicious juices. If you find the soup is thicker than you like, simply stir in a bit of water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil, oregano, and a generous handful of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese on top. These finishing touches brighten the soup and add bursts of fresh, herbal, and cheesy flavors that make each spoonful something to savor.
How to Serve Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil and oregano add a burst of fragrance and slightly tangy brightness that contrasts perfectly with the rich soup. Don’t skimp on the Parmesan cheese — it melts slightly into the hot soup, adding a luxurious, savory touch that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
Side Dishes
Pair your Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe with warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to scoop up every last drop of that amazing broth. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the heartiness of the soup, making the meal feel lighter and more complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner, serve the soup in rustic stoneware bowls with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Another fun idea is to ladle the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible presentation that guests will love. No matter how you choose to serve it, the soul-warming taste remains unbeatable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It tastes just as good the next day, as the flavors continue to deepen overnight—just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well for up to three months. To preserve the best texture, cool the soup completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that fresh herbs and cheese are best added fresh after reheating to maintain their vibrancy.
Reheating
Reheat your soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up while warming. Top with fresh herbs and Parmesan again for that fresh-from-the-pot taste.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage offers great flavor, feel free to try chorizo, chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage. Just keep in mind that cooking times and spice profiles may vary slightly.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No soaking is needed for brown lentils, which makes this soup especially convenient. Just be sure to rinse and sort them to remove any debris before adding to the pot.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To keep it satisfying, add extra vegetables or a protein like cooked chickpeas or tofu.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should have a nice, hearty consistency—thick enough to feel substantial but still broth-y and spoonable. You can always add more water or broth if it thickens too much during cooking or storage.
What’s the best way to reheat the soup without drying it out?
Warming it gently on the stovetop with a little added broth or water prevents drying. Avoid microwave reheating without stirring, as that can lead to uneven heating and dryness.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a little bowl of comfort and joy, packed with flavors that hug you from the inside out. Once you try making it yourself, the rich textures, vibrant aromas, and satisfying heartiness will have you coming back to it time and time again. Invite your loved ones, ladle up a big bowl, and enjoy every cozy spoonful.
Print
Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8.8 bowls
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and comforting Sausage Lentil Soup featuring Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and nutritious brown lentils simmered to tender perfection in a flavorful broth. This soup is perfect for a warming meal and easily customizable with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.
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 Legumes
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 ounces each)
- 2 cups dry brown lentils (rinsed and sorted)
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
- Fresh oregano (for garnish)
- Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage while crumbling it. When it’s nearly cooked through, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients: In a large Dutch oven, add the browned sausage and garlic along with the diced onion, chopped celery, carrots, zucchini, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, rinsed lentils, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to boil: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and let the soup cook for about 1 hour, or until the lentils become tender. If the soup thickens too much, add a bit of water to reach your preferred consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh basil, oregano, and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- This soup can be made with either hot or sweet Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Rinsing and sorting the lentils is important to remove any debris.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, especially the salt and pepper levels.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
