Introduction

This hearty Sausage Lentil Soup is a comforting one-pot meal that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying. If you enjoy sausage-based dishes, you might also like this Creamy Cajun Sausage Ravioli Recipe or this simple Ground Beef and Rice Casserole | Easy Dinner Idea Recipe for another easy dinner option.

Ingredients

This hearty sausage lentil soup comes together with simple ingredients that create a deeply satisfying, savory bowl perfect for chilly evenings.

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups chopped kale (or spinach)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Timing

Context: This Sausage Lentil Soup recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a quick and hearty meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Sausage

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove sausage from casings if using links and add to the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.

Tip: A good brown crust adds flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pot—work in batches if needed.

Step 2 — Sauté Aromatics

Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften.

Tip: Sauté until onions are translucent. This builds the flavor base for your Sausage Lentil Soup.

Step 3 — Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. This deepens the savory notes.

Tip: Don’t skip toasting the tomato paste—it removes any raw taste and enriches the broth.

Step 4 — Pour in Broth and Add Lentils

Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, then add rinsed brown or green lentils. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Tip: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. Red lentils cook faster but may break down more.

Step 5 — Season and Simmer

Add bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes.

Tip: Lentils are done when tender but not mushy. Check at 30 minutes—they should have a slight bite.

Step 6 — Add Greens (Optional)

Stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This wilts the greens without overcooking.

Tip: Hearty greens like kale benefit from a quick simmer. Delicate spinach wilts almost instantly.

Step 7 — Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot Sausage Lentil Soup into bowls.

Tip: Finish with a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Serve with crusty bread.

Nutritional Information

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey sausage — Leaner protein with similar savory flavor profile
• Chicken sausage — Lower fat alternative with versatile seasoning options
• Plant-based sausage — Vegan protein swap that mimics traditional texture
• Cauliflower rice — Low-carb substitute that absorbs broth beautifully
• Zucchini noodles — Fresh, gluten-free alternative that adds vegetable content
• Coconut milk — Creamy dairy-free option that adds subtle sweetness
• Low-sodium broth — Heart-healthy base that lets natural flavors shine
• Extra vegetables — Boost nutrition with carrots, celery, or spinach

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Sausage Lentil Soup with a slice of crusty artisan bread or warm cornbread for dipping.
• Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty flavors.
• Perfect for chilly evenings, game day gatherings, or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added freshness and richness.
• For a complete meal, accompany with roasted vegetables or a side of garlic mashed potatoes.
• Serve in deep bowls to keep the Sausage Lentil Soup warm and showcase its rustic appeal.

This Sausage Lentil Soup is versatile enough for casual family meals or cozy entertaining, making it a year-round favorite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using old, stale lentils that won’t soften properly. Fix: Always check your lentils for freshness and consider a quick soak if they’ve been in the pantry for over a year.
• Mistake: Overcooking the lentils until they turn to mush. Fix: Add lentils later in the simmering process and cook just until tender, about 25-35 minutes.
• Mistake: Not browning the sausage sufficiently before adding liquids. Fix: Take the time to develop a deep, caramelized crust on the sausage to build a rich flavor foundation.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of sautéing the aromatic vegetables (the soffritto). Fix: Gently cook your onions, carrots, and celery until softened to sweeten their flavor and improve the soup’s texture.
• Mistake: Adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes or vinegar too early. Fix: Stir these in after the lentils have begun to soften, as acid can prevent them from cooking through.
• Mistake: Using a broth that is too salty from the start. Fix: Opt for a low-sodium broth since the sausage and reducing liquid will concentrate the saltiness.
• Mistake: Forgetting to season in layers throughout the cooking process. Fix: Season lightly after browning the sausage, again after adding vegetables, and do a final adjustment before serving.
• Mistake: Not letting the finished Sausage Lentil Soup rest before serving. Fix: Allow it to sit off the heat for 10-15 minutes; this lets the flavors meld and the lentils absorb more liquid.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Sausage Lentil Soup completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm your soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

For the best quality, avoid repeated reheating of your Sausage Lentil Soup.

Conclusion

This hearty Sausage Lentil Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any night. For more delicious soup recipes, try this Zuppa Toscana or this Smoky Black Bean Soup. Give this recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments!

Lentil Sausage Soup

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A hearty and flavorful soup featuring lentils, kielbasa sausage, vegetables, and spices simmered in chicken stock with a touch of red wine vinegar and Parmesan cheese.

• Author: Ina Garten
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Place lentils in a large bowl and cover with boiling water by 2 inches; let soak for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and leeks and sauté for 15 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally.
3. Add garlic, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add celery and carrots; cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add chicken stock, tomato paste, and lentils; bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, adding kielbasa after 30 minutes.
7. Stir in red wine vinegar; adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Serve hot, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Soaking the lentils before cooking helps reduce cooking time and improves texture. Adding the sausage halfway through cooking prevents it from overcooking and keeps it flavorful. Finish with Parmesan and olive oil for richness.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5
• Sodium: 900
• Fat: 15
• Saturated Fat: 5
• Unsaturated Fat: 10
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 30
• Fiber: 10
• Protein: 25
• Cholesterol: 50

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage in this Sausage Lentil Soup?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage. Italian sausage, chorizo, or a milder chicken sausage all work well. Choose a sausage that complements the hearty flavor of this Sausage Lentil Soup.

How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?

For a thicker Sausage Lentil Soup, simmer it uncovered to reduce the liquid. To thin it out, simply add more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.