Discover the Ultimate Comfort: Hearty Italian Sausage Lentil Soup You Can Whip Up in Just 45 Minutes!

introduction

If you’re craving a cozy meal that warms you from the inside out, look no further than Italian Sausage Lentil Soup. This delightful dish is packed with flavor, nutrition, and comfort, making it the perfect choice for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. With the heartiness of ground Italian sausage and the nutritious boost from lentils and vegetables, this soup is sure to be a new favorite in your kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love a recipe that is not only delicious but also easy to make?

why make this recipe

There are many reasons to love Italian Sausage Lentil Soup! First and foremost, it’s incredibly wholesome. Lentils are rich in protein and fiber, making this soup not just filling, but also a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthier. The addition of Italian sausage gives it a savory depth that elevates the dish to a whole new level.

Another reason to try this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it according to your pantry staples or dietary preferences. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or use different types of sausage. Additionally, this soup is perfect for meal prep. It stores well and tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld!

how to make Italian Sausage Lentil Soup

Making Italian Sausage Lentil Soup is a breeze. Whether you choose to go with the stovetop method or a slow cooker, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious soup!

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 1 pound ground mild Italian sausage (casings removed if using links)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 2 ribs celery (diced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 1 medium zucchini (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 14 ounces canned petite diced tomatoes
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth (or water)
• 1 ½ cups brown lentils
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 Parmigiano Reggiano rind (optional)
• ½ cup flat leaf Italian parsley (minced)
• ¼ cup basil leaves (chopped)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (for serving)

Directions:

Stovetop Method:

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned. Then, remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil, then toss in the diced onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Add the browned sausage back into the pot, along with the diced tomatoes, chicken stock, lentils, bay leaves, and possibly the Parmigiano Reggiano rind.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
7. Finally, stir in the parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Slow Cooker Method:

1. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and brown the sausage.
2. Transfer the sausage to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients: onion, celery, carrots, zucchini, garlic, tomatoes, chicken stock, lentils, bay leaves, and Parmigiano rind if using.
3. Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Once done, stir in the fresh herbs and season to taste before serving.

how to serve Italian Sausage Lentil Soup

Serving Italian Sausage Lentil Soup is simple! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese for a delightful finish. Pair it with a crusty piece of bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also add a dash of chili flakes if you like a little extra heat!

how to store Italian Sausage Lentil Soup

This soup is perfect for meal prep! Once cooled, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, just remember to add a bit of extra broth or water, as the lentils may absorb some liquid as they sit.

tips to make Italian Sausage Lentil Soup

For the best flavor, use high-quality Italian sausage. If you like a little spice, go for a spicy sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking. Remember to rinse the lentils before adding them to the soup to get rid of any dirt or debris. Lastly, don’t skip the herbs! Fresh parsley and basil really enhance the taste of the soup.

variation (if any)

Feel free to mix up the veggies! Spinach or kale can be excellent additions. You can also substitute the ground sausage for turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you want a vegetarian option, simply leave out the sausage and add additional veggies or tofu for protein.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of lentils?
You can use green or red lentils, but keep in mind that red lentils cook faster and will break down more than brown lentils.

2. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure that the chicken stock you use is gluten-free and stick to gluten-free sausages.

3. Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup tastes great the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s perfect for meal prep!

Now that you know how to make this hearty and wholesome Italian Sausage Lentil Soup, why not try it today? Your taste buds will thank you!

Italian Sausage Lentil Soup

---

• Author: ikramnihad
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A wholesome and hearty Italian Sausage Lentil Soup, packed with flavor, protein, and fiber, perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 1 pound ground mild Italian sausage (casings removed if using links)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 2 ribs celery (diced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 1 medium zucchini (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 14 ounces canned petite diced tomatoes
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth (or water)
• 1 ½ cups brown lentils
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 Parmigiano Reggiano rind (optional)
• ½ cup flat leaf Italian parsley (minced)
• ¼ cup basil leaves (chopped)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (for serving)

---

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned. Then, remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil, then toss in the diced onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Add the browned sausage back into the pot, along with the diced tomatoes, chicken stock, lentils, bay leaves, and possibly the Parmigiano Reggiano rind.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
7. Finally, stir in the parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, use high-quality Italian sausage. Rinse lentils before adding to get rid of any dirt. Fresh herbs enhance the taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: soup, Italian, lentils, comfort food, healthy