If there’s one bowlful of comfort I always return to when the weather cools and comfort food starts calling, it’s Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup. This hearty, rustic classic brings together savory sausage, tender lentils, and a medley of simple vegetables in a soul-satisfying, robust broth. Every spoonful is brimming with old-fashioned flavor, and the best part is how easy it all comes together in one pot. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself craving this soup’s warmth and depth of flavor all year round.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Building Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup is delightfully straightforward, and each ingredient plays a starring role in bringing out the nostalgic, rustic character of the dish. These kitchen staples transform into something truly special when simmered together.

Olive oil: Adds a rich, silky base for sautéing and deepens the overall flavor of the soup.
Ground pork sausage (or Italian sausage): The backbone of the soup, infusing every bite with hearty and savory notes—use hot sausage if you love some heat!
Onion: Gives subtle sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully as it softens.
Carrots: Offer color, sweetness, and a bit of texture for every spoonful.
Celery: A traditional component, providing aromatic undertones and a classic soup crunch.
Garlic: Just a little goes a long way in building savory background flavor; don’t skip it!
Dried brown or green lentils: Hearty protein and earthy goodness—they hold their shape perfectly during cooking.
Dried thyme: Adds a comforting, woodsy aroma that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Dried oregano: Lends a hint of peppery sharpness that brightens everything up.
Black pepper: For a punch of warmth and depth—fresh cracked is ideal.
Smoked paprika: Brings gentle smokiness and gorgeous color to the broth.
Diced tomatoes (with juice): Add tang, sweetness, and a touch of acidity that balances out the savoriness.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the soup’s flavorful, comforting base—homemade or boxed both work well.
Bay leaves: Impart subtle savory notes that round out the flavor—it’s magic after a long simmer.
Salt to taste: Adjust at the end for perfectly balanced flavors.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): A pop of bright color and freshness just before serving.

How to Make Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the ground sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go. You want lots of little browned bits—this is where big flavor builds. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the sausage is fully cooked and no longer pink, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, add your chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Cook these together for roughly five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and the onion turns slightly translucent. This step helps them soak up all that gorgeous sausage flavor.

Step 3: Stir in the Garlic

Now, sprinkle the minced garlic into the pot and give it a quick stir. You’ll only need about a minute here—just long enough for the garlic to become fragrant. Get ready for the savory aroma to bloom!

Step 4: Add Lentils, Seasonings, and Tomatoes

Pour in the rinsed lentils, dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, smoked paprika, and the entire can of diced tomatoes (juice and all). Stir well so the lentils and vegetables are thoroughly mingled with the herbs and spices. This is where the homemade delicious old fashioned sausage and lentil soup starts to come together—the colors will already look spectacular.

Step 5: Pour Broth and Simmer

Carefully add the chicken broth and slip in the bay leaves. Bring the pot to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently, uncovered, for about 30 to 35 minutes. By the end, your lentils should be perfectly cooked and the flavors melded together into a rich, chunky soup. Don’t forget to give it a little taste and add salt if needed before fishing out the bay leaves.

How to Serve Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle each steaming bowl with a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley. The burst of green brightens the rich, rustic appearance of homemade delicious old fashioned sausage and lentil soup, while also adding freshness to each bite. You can also add a crack of black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil for a touch of luxury.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats a hunk of crusty bread or a warm baguette to scoop up the hearty soup, but you can also pair it with a crisp green salad to contrast the richness. For a cozy dinner, serve this alongside a chunk of sharp cheddar or a platter of roasted vegetables—this soup is filling, so keep sides simple and complementary.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling homemade delicious old fashioned sausage and lentil soup into rustic soup bowls or even small bread bowls for a dramatic touch. For gatherings, serve in sturdy mugs so your guests can enjoy it fireside. Want to make it feel fancy? Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to swirl into each serving, or offer herb-infused olive oil at the table for drizzling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is never a guarantee!), let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Homemade delicious old fashioned sausage and lentil soup actually gets better after a night in the fridge as the flavors develop even more. Keep it refrigerated and enjoy for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This soup is a meal-prep superstar! Once cooled completely, spoon it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It will keep its heartiness and flavor for up to 3 months. When you need a taste of comfort, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s very thick—lentils love to absorb liquid in the fridge. For single servings, microwaving in short bursts works just fine. Garnish with parsley just before serving for that fresh-from-the-pot finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Soup

Absolutely! Mild, spicy, or Italian sausage all work beautifully, and you can even experiment with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version. Each variety brings its own character to homemade delicious old fashioned sausage and lentil soup.

Do I need to soak the lentils first?

No soaking is needed for brown or green lentils. Just rinse them under cold water and they’ll cook perfectly in the soup, soaking up all that savory broth and flavor as they simmer.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Go right ahead—simply swap out the sausage for a plant-based alternative or use extra veggies like mushrooms for that satisfying, savory bite. Opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian twist.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the sausage and sautéing the veggies, add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The result will be every bit as hearty and flavorful!

What should I do if the soup is too thick?

Not to worry—just stir in an extra cup or so of broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Lentils keep drinking up liquid, so it’s easy to adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about a big pot of homemade delicious old fashioned sausage and lentil soup simmering away that makes a house feel like home. With nourishing goodness, deep flavor, and a seriously comforting vibe, this is a meal worth sharing with friends and family. I hope you’ll give it a try and fall in love with its heartwarming charm—happy cooking!

Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup. This hearty soup combines the rich flavors of sausage, lentils, and aromatic herbs for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground pork sausage (or Italian sausage)

Vegetables:

1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Additional:

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 bay leaves
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot. Brown the sausage, breaking it up.
Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
Stir in garlic. Cook until fragrant.
Add lentils, seasonings, tomatoes, broth, and bay leaves. Simmer until lentils are tender.
Adjust seasoning and serve. Garnish with parsley.