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