Warm up your kitchen and your taste buds with a bowl of comforting Italian Chicken Sausage Lentil Soup! This hearty dish combines the robust flavors of savory chicken sausage with the earthy goodness of lentils, creating a meal that's not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a nourishing bowl of goodness, this recipe is your ticket to a culinary escape to Italy. Ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor? Dive into this recipe and discover the magic of homemade soup!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian chicken sausage
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the chicken sausage from its casing by slicing down the length of the sausage and peeling away the membrane. Discard the casing.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken sausage and break it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook the sausage for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's browned and no longer pink. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
- Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Return the browned chicken sausage to the pot and stir to incorporate. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to reheat the sausage and meld the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The soup should be hearty and well-seasoned.
- Serve hot in deep bowls. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality Italian chicken sausage for the best flavor. If you prefer a bit of spice, look for hot sausage varieties to add a kick to your soup.
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and rinse the lentils in advance. This way, you can whip up the soup in just about an hour!
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly, or if you like it soupier, add more broth or water as needed.
- Flavor Boost: Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat before serving.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but also makes for a beautiful presentation.
- Storage Tips: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat it gently on the stove when you're ready to enjoy it again!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg
