Sausage Lentil Soup(Yield: 6 Servings)
A hearty and flavorful sausage lentil soup featuring savory Italian sausage, tender lentils, and aromatic vegetables, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. bulk Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can tomatoes with liquid, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 3/4 cup dry lentils ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown and crumble the sausage.
- Drain the fat.
- Add the chopped onion, green pepper, garlic, bay leaf, mustard, chicken broth, chopped tomatoes with liquid, water, and lentils.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also substitute the lentils with split peas if desired. If you don't have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard works in a pinch, but the flavor will differ slightly. Adding a splash of vinegar at the end can brighten the soup's flavor as well. This soup can also be made vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty sausage lentil soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Leek Potato Soup for a multi-course dinner. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top before serving adds a nice touch. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a bit of water or broth while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Lentil Soup(Yield: 6 Servings) contains roughly 348 calories, with 12g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (105% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. It also contributes 12g 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with other varieties like chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Just ensure that the sausage is fully cooked before adding the other ingredients to maintain the right texture and flavor.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables such as carrots or celery, or even some diced mushrooms to enhance the umami flavor.
What can I do if my lentils are not cooking properly?
If your lentils are not cooking properly, it may be due to age or quality. Make sure to check the expiration date on your lentils. If they are older, they can take longer to cook. You can also soak lentils for a few hours prior to cooking to help them soften more quickly.
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).