Description
A hearty bowl of Italian Lentil Soup with Sausage that warms the soul with nutrient-rich lentils and savory sausage, perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 lb. chicken or turkey sausage, sliced (or your choice of beef sausage)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Spinach or kale, added for extra greens
Instructions
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Next, add the minced garlic and sausage slices. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the sausage is browned.
- After the sausage is browned, sprinkle in the dried thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the spices bloom for about a minute.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, then add the rinsed lentils and bay leaf. Stir to ensure well incorporation.
- Slowly add the broth to the pot, mixing thoroughly. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 25-30 minutes.
- A few minutes before serving, stir in spinach or kale and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Taste your soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with parsley.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread or a side salad. For added flavor, consider sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg