Sausage Lentil Soup
A hearty, flavorful lentil soup with Italian sausage, vegetables, and a touch of Dijon mustard, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage until cooked through.
- Drain the excess fat from the sausage.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, carrot, minced garlic, bay leaf, chicken broth, chopped tomatoes, water, lentils, and Dijon mustard to the pot.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or other vegetables like zucchini. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adjust the amount of Dijon mustard to your taste for a milder or spicier flavor. This recipe can also be adapted with different lentils, such as green or red, though cooking times may vary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sausage Lentil Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Golden Lasagna for a comforting Italian-inspired dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor. For a simple side, consider Italian Crispy Broccoli With Fettucine to complement the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Lentil Soup contains roughly 1406 calories, with 45g protein, 261g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (233% of the Daily Value), and iron (182% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1816mg per serving (79% 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 use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with other types like turkey sausage or spicy sausage for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the sausage is fully cooked before adding it to the soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture.
What can I serve with Sausage Lentil Soup?
This soup is delicious on its own, but you can enhance your meal by serving it with crusty bread, a fresh side salad, or even pairing it with Italian recipes like Chicken With Italian Sausage for a comforting dinner.
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).