Lentil And Frankfurter Soup
Lentil and frankfurter soup offers hearty comfort with tender lentils, savory frankfurters, and colorful vegetables. It's a filling, flavorful dish perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, combining rich umami flavors with wholesome ingredients in a satisfying broth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook frankfurters in hot salad oil until lightly browned on all sides, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes.
- Remove frankfurters with a slotted spoon to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate.
- In the remaining drippings in the Dutch oven over medium heat, cook diced celery, diced red or green pepper, diced carrot, diced onion, and minced garlic until tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, rinse lentils in running cold water and discard any stones or shriveled lentils.
- Add lentils, pepper, bouillon cubes or envelopes, 11 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt to the vegetable mixture in the Dutch oven.
- Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until lentils are very tender and the soup has thickened.
- Return the cooked frankfurters to the Dutch oven and cook until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier flavor, consider adding some diced tomatoes or a dash of hot sauce. If you're short on time, canned lentils can be used, but adjust cooking time accordingly. You can also substitute frankfurters with smoked sausage for a different taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves can enhance the flavor of the soup.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is delicious on its own, but it can be served with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an added touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley or grated cheese on top before serving. It pairs beautifully with Delicious Chicken Strips for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup thickens too much upon cooling, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lentil And Frankfurter Soup contains roughly 383 calories, with 6g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 908mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
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 make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the frankfurters and replace the chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon. You can also add more vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu for added texture and flavor.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables. A splash of hot sauce just before serving can also elevate the spice level.
Can I freeze lentil soup?
Yes, lentil soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).