There is something irresistibly comforting about this Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe that just wraps you up in warmth and hearty flavors. Picture tender lentils mingling with savory, spiced Italian sausage, all swimming in a rich broth brimming with vibrant vegetables and herbs. Each spoonful delivers that perfect balance of smoky, earthy, and fresh notes, making it an ideal soul-satisfying meal for any day you crave a nourishing, wholesome bowl of soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a vital role in building the layered taste, inviting texture, and inviting color that make this soup truly special. The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and quality sausage come together beautifully to create a classic, timeless dish.
- Olive oil: Used to gently brown the sausage and sweat the vegetables, adding depth and richness.
- Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed: Provides a flavorful, meaty foundation and lovely spice to the soup.
- Yellow onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- Carrots, diced: Offer subtle sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- Celery stalks, diced: Bring a fresh, earthy crunch that softens during cooking.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a warm, pungent undertone.
- Dried thyme: Adds herby, slightly minty notes that complement the lentils well.
- Dried oregano: Enhances the Italian-inspired flavor profile.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the sausage perfectly.
- Bay leaf: Infuses the soup with gentle herbal complexity as it simmers.
- Dried brown or green lentils, rinsed: The hearty, protein-packed base for this soup, absorbing all the surrounding flavors.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Creates a savory, comforting liquid that ties everything together.
- Can of diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a touch of sweetness to brighten the soup.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for richness and depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh spinach or kale (optional): Provides a fresh, leafy green boost and vibrant color.
- Chopped parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish as a garnish.
How to Make Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Browning the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s nicely browned and completely cooked through. This step is crucial as it releases the delicious fatty flavors from the sausage, which form the base of your soup. Once browned, carefully remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving all those tasty browned bits behind in the pot.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 6 minutes. This gentle cooking releases the natural sweetness of the vegetables and creates a fragrant foundation for the soup. Stir in the minced garlic along with dried thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika, cooking for just one more minute to awaken their intense aromas without burning the garlic.
Step 3: Adding Lentils and Liquids
Now it’s time to introduce the lentils, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth to the pot. Return the cooked sausage to the mix and add the bay leaf. Bring everything up to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, allowing the lentils to tenderize and soak up all those rich flavors. This simmering time is what lovingly melds all ingredients into a harmonious, hearty soup.
Step 4: Stirring in the Greens
If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it in now and cook for another 5 minutes until the greens wilt down beautifully. This step adds an extra burst of color and a fresh earthiness that brightens the finished dish. Remove the bay leaf, season the soup with salt and black pepper to your taste, and give one final stir to blend all those harmonious flavors evenly.
How to Serve Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over each bowl before serving to add a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note that complements the hearty flavors of the soup perfectly. For a little extra indulgence, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese works wonders.
Side Dishes
This soup shines when served alongside warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls that are perfect for mopping up every last drop of that flavorful broth. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the soup’s rich, comforting character.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling the soup into rustic bread bowls to make an instantly impressive and cozy presentation. Another fun idea is to top the soup with a dollop of pesto or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a creamy tang that adds a different texture and flavor layer. These little touches surprise and delight your guests or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or busy weeknights. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing its hearty flavors and satisfying texture.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup seems too thick after storage, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and bring back that perfect comforting consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Using turkey or chicken sausage is a great way to lighten up the soup while still maintaining delicious sausage flavor. Just choose your preferred seasoning style to keep the same savory notes.
Are lentils gluten-free?
Yes, lentils are naturally gluten-free, which makes this soup a fantastic choice for those avoiding gluten. Just ensure your broth and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can easily adapt this recipe by skipping the sausage and using vegetable broth. Adding extra herbs or smoked paprika can help boost the smoky, savory flavor that sausage typically provides.
How long does this soup take to cook?
The entire cooking process takes about 40 minutes, with the actual simmering time for the lentils being around 30 to 35 minutes. Prep is quick too, so you can have a comforting bowl on the table in under an hour.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding diced potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetables’ firmness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soul-warming meal that’s packed with flavor, nutrition, and that timeless homemade touch, this Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe is just what you need. It’s straightforward to prepare, versatile, and deeply satisfying. Give it a try and soon you’ll have a new favorite recipe to enjoy and share!
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Homemade Delicious Old Fashioned Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and comforting old fashioned sausage and lentil soup featuring Italian sausage, tender lentils, and fresh vegetables simmered to perfection with flavorful herbs and spices. This gluten-free American classic is perfect for cozy winter meals and easily adaptable with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute more to release their flavors.
- Add Lentils and Liquids: Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the bay leaf.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Incorporate Greens: Stir in chopped spinach or kale if using, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- This soup freezes beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
- For a lighter version, use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage.
- Serve with crusty bread to make the meal complete and more filling.
