Is there *anything* better than a big bowl of comfort on a chilly day? I don’t think so! And that’s exactly what this hearty lentil and sausage soup recipe is all about. It’s packed with flavor, super satisfying, and honestly, pretty darn easy to whip up. Think savory sausage, earthy lentils, and a whole bunch of veggies simmered together until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender.

I remember the first time I made lentil and sausage soup. It was a total experiment, and I was *so* nervous! But the smell alone had me hooked. One bite, and I was sold. Now, it’s a regular in our house, especially when the weather turns cold. This lentil and sausage soup is just… good, honest food. And I can’t wait to share my version with you!

Why You’ll Love This Lentil and Sausage Soup

Quick and Easy Lentil and Sausage Soup

Seriously, who has hours to spend in the kitchen on a weeknight? Not me! This lentil and sausage soup comes together pretty quickly, with minimal prep. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you just want something warm and satisfying without the fuss.

Hearty and Flavorful Lentil and Sausage Soup

Okay, let’s talk flavor. This isn’t your bland, boring soup. The sausage gives it this rich, savory depth, and the lentils add a lovely earthiness. Then you’ve got all those spices mingling together… mmm, it’s just so good!

Nutritious Lentil and Sausage Soup

Here’s a bonus: it’s actually good for you! Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, so this soup will keep you full and happy. You can feel good about serving this to your family. Really!

Versatile Lentil and Sausage Soup

Don’t be afraid to get creative! This lentil and sausage soup is super easy to customize. Throw in your favorite veggies, swap out the spices, or add a little kick with some extra hot sauce. Make it your own!

Ingredients for Lentil and Sausage Soup

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing lentil and sausage soup. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have. And remember, fresh is best when you can swing it!

1 lb ground sausage, hot or mild (your call!)
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced (I *love* garlic, so sometimes I add a little extra!)
1 cup dry brown lentils, rinsed (don’t skip the rinsing!)
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon tomato paste
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups beef broth
Spices: Basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, and pepper

How to Make Lentil and Sausage Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a big bowl of this amazing lentil and sausage soup in no time!

Preparing the Sausage for Lentil and Sausage Soup

First, let’s get that sausage cooked! If your sausage has casings, you’ll want to remove those. Then, grab a large pot and put it over medium heat. Add your sausage and start cooking, making sure to crumble it up as it browns. Once it’s cooked through, set it aside. Now, this is important: try to save about a tablespoon of the drippings. If you don’t have enough, no biggie – just use a tablespoon of butter instead.

Sautéing the Vegetables for Lentil and Sausage Soup

Time for the veggies! Add those sausage drippings (or butter) back into the pot over medium heat. Then, toss in your diced onions, celery, and carrots. Cook ’em for about 4 minutes, until they start to soften up. Now, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute, until it smells amazing. Careful not to burn the garlic!

Building the Base for Lentil and Sausage Soup

Okay, here’s where we build the flavor! Sprinkle in the flour and add the tomato paste. Cook this for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Then, slowly pour in your chicken and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot as you go. This gets all those yummy browned bits up and into the soup. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Simmering the Lentil and Sausage Soup

Almost there! Add your Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (don’t worry, it doesn’t make it super spicy!), lentils, bay leaf, and all those lovely spices. Bring the soup to a boil, then turn the heat down to low and let it simmer. Cover the pot partially and let it bubble away for about 45 minutes, stirring every now and then. This lets the lentils get nice and tender and all the flavors meld together. Mmm!

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Finishing the Lentil and Sausage Soup

Alright, last step! Add that cooked sausage back into the pot, along with the diced tomatoes. Let it all simmer together for another 10 minutes. If your soup seems too thick, just add a little water or broth to thin it out. And that’s it! Your lentil and sausage soup is ready to serve. I like to take the bay leaf out before serving… nobody wants to bite into that!

Tips for the Best Lentil and Sausage Soup

Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but let’s talk about how to make this lentil and sausage soup *really* shine! These are my little secrets for taking it from good to absolutely amazing.

Flavor Boosters for Lentil and Sausage Soup

First off, use good sausage! I’m serious, it makes a huge difference. If you can find some locally made sausage, even better. Also, don’t be afraid to play around with fresh herbs. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme at the end can really brighten things up. And a tiny splash of lemon juice or vinegar just before serving? Wow! It adds this little zing that’s just perfect.

Achieving the Perfect Consistency in Your Lentil and Sausage Soup

Soup too thick? Soup too thin? Don’t panic! If it’s too thick, just add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a bit longer, uncovered, to let some of the liquid evaporate. Also, remember the lentils will continue to thicken the soup as it sits, so keep that in mind!

Lentil and Sausage Soup Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the original, and you’re loving it. Awesome! But what if you want to mix things up a bit? No problem! This lentil and sausage soup is like a blank canvas – ready for your creative touch. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.

Vegetarian Lentil Soup

Want to skip the sausage? No problem! Just leave it out and load up on extra veggies. Think more carrots, celery, and maybe some chopped zucchini or bell peppers. You could also add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas for extra protein. Still hearty, still delicious!

Spicy Lentil and Sausage Soup

Feeling a little fiery? Me too, sometimes! Crank up the heat by adding more hot sauce to taste. Or, for a different kind of kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Just be careful – a little goes a long way! You could even use a spicy Italian sausage for an extra layer of flavor. Yum!

Serving Suggestions for Lentil and Sausage Soup

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing lentil and sausage soup, but what do you serve with it? I’m a big fan of keeping it simple. A crusty loaf of bread for dipping is *always* a winner. And a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette? Perfect! It’s all about those cozy, comforting vibes.

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Storing and Reheating Your Lentil and Sausage Soup

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This lentil and sausage soup is even better the next day, if you ask me. Just let it cool down completely, then pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s nice and hot. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Lentil and Sausage Soup

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about this amazing lentil and sausage soup. Don’t be shy – if you have a question I haven’t answered, just leave a comment below!

Can I use different types of lentils in lentil and sausage soup?

Great question! I usually stick with brown lentils for this recipe because they hold their shape really well and have a nice, earthy flavor. Green lentils work too, but they might take a little longer to cook. I’d steer clear of red lentils, though – they tend to get mushy and can make your soup a bit too thick. And definitely don’t use canned lentils; they’re already cooked and will turn to total mush!

How long does lentil and sausage soup last in the refrigerator?

Safety first, friends! Properly stored, your lentil and sausage soup will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure it’s cooled down completely before you pop it in an airtight container. And when you reheat it, make sure it’s heated through to at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any sneaky bacteria.

Can I freeze lentil and sausage soup?

You betcha! This soup freezes really well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. If you’re using bags, lay them flat to freeze – that way, they’ll stack nicely in your freezer. It’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. You might need to add a little extra broth when you reheat it since freezing can sometimes change the consistency.

What can I add to lentil and sausage soup to make it taste better?

Oh, the possibilities! If you want to amp up the flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can add a nice creaminess. And don’t forget fresh herbs! A sprinkle of chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary can really brighten things up. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. That’s the best way to make it *your* perfect soup!

Nutritional Information for Lentil and Sausage Soup

Okay, let’s talk nutrition! I know, I know, it’s not the most exciting part, but it’s good to know what you’re eating, right? Keep in mind that the following information is just an estimate. It can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use (different brands, different sausages, etc.). I’m not a registered dietitian, so take this with a grain of salt, okay?

Basically, this lentil and sausage soup is pretty darn good for you! You’ve got protein from the sausage and lentils, fiber from the lentils and veggies, and a whole bunch of vitamins and minerals. But remember, it’s all about balance! And this is just a rough estimate. Enjoy!

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