George'S Favorite Sausage And Lentil Soup
A hearty, flavorful sausage and lentil soup with smoky ham, aromatic herbs, and rich chicken broth, perfect for comforting meals and satisfying a hungry crowd.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large hot Italian sausage ⓘ
- 7 oz. smoked ham, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. fresh thyme or 1/4 tsp. dried crumbled thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. whole cumin seed, ground ⓘ
- 8 to 9 cups Rich chicken stock ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. dried lentils ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a heavy 6 to 8-quart saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook until almost all fat is rendered. Transfer the sausage to a platter.
- Add chopped smoked ham, carrot, and garlic to the pan; cook until fragrant and vegetables are slightly softened.
- Add bay leaf, thyme, and ground cumin to the mixture.
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Add peeled tomatoes and dried lentils to the pot.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, until lentils are tender.
- Remove bay leaf, then chop the cooked sausage and return it to the soup.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding an extra hot Italian sausage or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can substitute the lentils with chickpeas or split peas if you prefer. If you want a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can elevate the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a hearty option, try it alongside Stuffed Chicken Quarters for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but be sure to cover the bowl to avoid splatters.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of George'S Favorite Sausage And Lentil Soup contains roughly 837 calories, with 17g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (138% of the Daily Value), and calcium (104% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 39g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of sausage such as turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Each will bring a different flavor to the soup, so choose according to your preference.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, omit the sausage and smoked ham, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You can enhance the flavor with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the depth typically provided by the meats.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).