Imagine a soup so hearty and flavorful that it transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure. This Lentil and Italian Sausage Soup isn't just a meal—it's a comforting embrace in a bowl that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm you from the inside out. Packed with protein-rich lentils, spicy Italian sausage, and a medley of vegetables, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that effortlessly bridges rustic Italian tradition with modern home cooking.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté with the sausage for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Mince the garlic and add it to the pot, stirring for about 30 seconds to release its aromatic oils without burning.
- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, and rinsed lentils. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth; if too thin, continue simmering uncovered.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to slightly thicken.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: Select fresh Italian sausage with good fat content for maximum flavor. Remove casings for better texture and even cooking.
- Don't Rush the Browning: Take time to properly brown the sausage and vegetables. This caramelization builds deep, rich flavor foundations for your soup.
- Lentil Texture Matters: Rinse lentils thoroughly and avoid overcooking. They should be tender but still hold their shape for the best mouthfeel.
- Seasoning Secret: Let the soup simmer covered, then taste and adjust seasonings at the end. The flavors will develop and intensify during cooking.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen overnight.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan can elevate the soup's presentation and add a fresh, bright note to the rich base.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
