If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that feels like a loving kitchen hug, this Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe is the answer. It brings together the robust flavors of Italian sausage and tender lentils, simmered with garden-fresh veggies and aromatic herbs, creating a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing. Each spoonful offers a delicious balance of smoky, savory, and earthy notes that make it a timeless classic you’ll want to share with everyone at your table.

Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this soup is delightfully simple because it relies on fresh, straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in building its rich flavor and hearty texture. From the aromatic vegetables to the perfectly spiced sausage, every element is essential to create this culinary gem.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a flavorful base and helps brown the sausage beautifully.
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed: The star protein, adding richness and spice to the soup.
1 medium yellow onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
2 carrots, peeled and diced: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
2 celery stalks, diced: Adds subtle earthiness and crunch.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with wonderful aromatic warmth.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a gentle herbal hint that complements the sausage.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a rustic, Mediterranean flavor twist.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Delivers a smoky savoriness that elevates the dish.
1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed: The hearty, protein-rich legumes that make this soup wholesome.
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices: Adds acidity and body to the broth.
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
1 bay leaf: Introduces a subtle depth of flavor with its herbal aroma.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all ingredients.
2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of green nutrition.
Grated Parmesan for serving (optional): Offers a salty, creamy finish that’s simply irresistible.

How to Make Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is crucial because it builds the foundational flavors of your soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Next, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Let them sauté together for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. This brings out their natural sweetness and creates wonderful body and texture within the soup.

Step 3: Add the Garlic and Spices

Stir in the minced garlic along with the dried thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook everything for an additional minute, just enough for those spices to bloom and marry with the sausage and veggies, deepening the flavor complexity.

Step 4: Combine Lentils and Liquids

Pour in the lentils, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and add the bay leaf. Bring the entire pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the lentils become tender and the soup thickens slightly.

Step 5: Finish with Greens and Season

If using, stir in the chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking to let the greens wilt and blend in beautifully. Remove the bay leaf before seasoning the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Your Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe is now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over each bowl. The salty richness melts slightly into the hot soup, creating a luscious finish. A crack of freshly ground black pepper on top adds a little punch, and if you want vibrant color, a small handful of chopped fresh parsley can’t hurt.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with hearty rustic bread or crusty baguettes perfect for dipping up every last bit. You could also serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to contrast the warmth and heartiness of the soup with light, crisp freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party or family meal, serve the soup in mini cast iron skillets or individual bread bowls to impress your guests and elevate the experience. You can also enrich the soup by mashing a small portion to create a thicker texture, or swirl in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing

To keep this Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe ready for busy nights, freeze leftover portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Lentil soup is a freezer-friendly classic that warms up to its original deliciousness every time.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the soup is piping hot throughout. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up to the perfect consistency before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage for this soup?

Definitely! While Italian sausage offers great flavor, you can swap in chicken sausage, chorizo, or even plant-based sausage to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Are brown and green lentils interchangeable?

Yes, both brown and green lentils work wonderfully here. They hold their shape well during cooking, giving the soup a lovely texture without turning mushy.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based sausage and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The smoked paprika and herbs will keep it bursting with flavor, so you won’t miss the meat.

How thick should the soup be?

This soup is typically hearty but still fairly brothy. If you prefer a thicker texture, simply mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot and stir them back in before serving.

Is it okay to add spinach or kale?

Yes, adding leafy greens like spinach or kale adds vibrant color, nutrition, and freshness that complement the earthy lentils and smoky sausage perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about a bowl of soup that comforts, nourishes, and satisfies all at once — and this Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe does precisely that. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and feels like the perfect hug in a bowl on any day. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your meal rotation!

Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe

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3.9 from 31 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Made with Italian sausage, vegetables, and nutritious lentils simmered in a savory broth, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with protein and fiber. The addition of fresh greens like spinach or kale and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds freshness and richness to every bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Vegetables

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bay leaf

Main Ingredients

1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Brown the Sausage: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute more to release the flavors.
Add Lentils and Liquids: Pour in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
Add Greens: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale if using, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

This soup improves in flavor when enjoyed the next day as the ingredients meld together.
For a thicker texture, mash a small portion of the lentils before serving.
To make this soup vegetarian, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American