Description
Hearty and flavorful Sausage Lentil Soup featuring Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and tender brown lentils simmered to perfection in a savory tomato and chicken broth base. This comforting soup is perfect for a family meal and garnished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or sweet)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 rib celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 ounces each)
Legumes and Seasonings
- 2 cups dry brown lentils, rinsed and sorted
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
Garnishes
- Fresh basil
- Fresh oregano
- Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the Italian sausage. Cook the sausage while breaking it up into small crumbles, allowing it to brown evenly. When the sausage is nearly cooked through, add the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked sausage and garlic into a large Dutch oven. Add the diced onion, chopped celery, carrots, zucchini, low-sodium chicken broth, diced tomatoes, rinsed and sorted lentils, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly to combine.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the Dutch oven on the stove and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This step helps dissolve the salt and infuse the flavors before simmering.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the soup simmer gently for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the lentils are tender and all flavors are well developed. If the soup thickens beyond your liking, gradually add water to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Sprinkle fresh basil, oregano, and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese on top for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting soup.
Notes
- Use either hot or sweet Italian sausage according to your spice preference.
- Rinsing and sorting lentils helps remove any debris and ensures even cooking.
- Adding water during simmering can adjust thickness to your liking.
- Fresh herbs and Parmesan enhance the soup’s flavor but can be omitted for dietary restrictions.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
