Heartwarming Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup
Embrace the cozy flavors of the season with this delightful Heartwarming Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup. Packed with hearty lentils, savory Italian sausage, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this soup is not only filling but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With its rich taste and comforting texture, this dish is destined to be a family favorite. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out during those chilly days ahead.
12
Servings
183
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (medium, finely chopped)
chopped celery
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
baby carrots
8 (finely chopped)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Italian sausage
1 lb (removed from casings and crumbled)
chicken broth
5 cups (low-sodium)
water
3 cups (as needed)
lentils
16 ounces (rinsed)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
red pepper flakes
1 dash
olive oil
drizzle (for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely chopping the onion, celery, garlic, and baby carrots. The best way to achieve uniform size and texture is to use a food processor for this step.
2
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add your finely chopped vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they are soft and the onion becomes translucent.
3
Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it directly into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Cook the mixture for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until the sausage is well browned and no longer pink.
4
While the sausage cooks, rinse the lentils under cold water to remove any debris. Once the sausage is cooked, add the rinsed lentils to the pot.
5
Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add a dash of red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom.
7
Check the consistency of the soup after 30 minutes; if it becomes too thick, simply add additional broth or water to achieve your desired texture.
8
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, adding more salt and pepper as needed.
9
Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with olive oil for added richness, give it a gentle stir, and enjoy this hearty meal!
Nutrition Information
9
Fat
18
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this Heartwarming Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup?
The main protein in this soup is one pound of Italian sausage, removed from its casing and crumbled.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 183 calories.
What vegetables are needed for the base of the soup?
The vegetable base consists of one medium onion, 1/2 cup of chopped celery, and 8 baby carrots.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What is the recommended way to chop the vegetables?
For uniform size and texture, it is recommended to use a food processor to finely chop the onion, celery, garlic, and baby carrots.
Do I need to remove the sausage from its casing?
Yes, you should remove the casing and crumble the sausage directly into the pot.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the chopped vegetables in olive oil for about 5 minutes or until they are soft and the onions are translucent.
How long does it take to cook the sausage?
The sausage should be cooked for 8-10 minutes until it is well browned and no longer pink.
Should I rinse the lentils before adding them to the pot?
Yes, you should rinse the 16 ounces of lentils under cold water to remove any debris before cooking.
What kind of broth is best for this soup?
The recipe recommends using 5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
How much water is added along with the broth?
In addition to the broth, you should add 3 cups of water.
What spices are used to season the soup?
The soup is seasoned with salt, pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
After reaching a boil, cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 1 hour.
What should I do if the soup becomes too thick while simmering?
If the soup is too thick after 30 minutes, simply add additional broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
How is the soup served for extra richness?
Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with olive oil before stirring and serving.
Is this soup considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, this is an easy one-pot meal that simplifies both cooking and cleanup.
What is a recommended side dish for this lentil soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
How much olive oil is needed for sautéing?
You will need 2 tablespoons of olive oil for the initial sautéing of the vegetables.
What type of lentils are used?
The recipe specifies 16 ounces of lentils, which should be rinsed before use.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, despite the simmer time, the preparation is quick, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Does this soup contain any sugar?
According to the nutritional data provided, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 18 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in a single serving?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding more or less of the red pepper flakes.
How often should I stir the soup while it simmers?
You should stir occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
What is the preparation for the baby carrots?
The baby carrots should be finely chopped, preferably in a food processor.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 13 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What makes this soup a good 'fall recipe'?
The hearty lentils, savory sausage, and warm broth provide a comforting flavor profile perfect for chilly autumn days.