Hearty Winter Sausage & Lentil Soup
Warm up during the cold months with this hearty sausage and lentil soup, perfect for soothing those long days spent outdoors in the deer stand or welcoming carolers on a chilly night. This robust and flavorful soup not only warms the soul but also serves as a delicious centerpiece for your tailgating menu before the big game. Infused with a medley of sausage, lentils, and fresh vegetables, this recipe ensures that every spoonful delivers a comforting taste of winter. Enjoy a bowlful of this delightful soup with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar that melts into perfection, bringing a touch of indulgence to your hearty meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Meat (beef, sausage, venison, turkey)
1 lb (combined)
Large Onion
1 (chopped)
Medium Carrots
2 (peeled and chopped)
Diced Green Pepper
1/4 cup
Garlic Cloves
1-3 (minced)
Basil
1 teaspoon
Oregano
1 teaspoon
Chicken Bouillon Cubes
6
Tomato Sauce
1 cup
Spinach or Swiss Chard
1-2 cup (chopped)
Lentils, dry
3/4 cup
Butter
2 tablespoons (optional)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
to taste (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, sauté the combined ground meat (beef, sausage, venison, turkey) over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat for a lower-fat option.
2
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and diced green pepper to the pot. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Pour in 8 cups of water (or equivalent chicken broth) and mix in the garlic, basil, oregano, chicken bouillon cubes, and the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4
Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If using a slow cooker, transfer the mixture and cook on low for several hours.
5
Add the dried lentils 45 minutes to 1 hour before serving. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
6
For added richness, stir in the butter just before serving, skipping it for a healthier option.
7
Serve hot, garnished with grated sharp cheddar cheese on top for a delightful finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Winter Sausage & Lentil Soup?
It is a robust and flavorful soup made with a variety of ground meats, lentils, and fresh vegetables, designed for cold weather.
What types of meat can be used in this recipe?
You can use a combination of ground beef, sausage, venison, or turkey.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the meat and vegetables in a pot, transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low for several hours.
When should I add the lentils to the soup?
Add the dried lentils 45 minutes to 1 hour before you plan to serve the soup.
How can I make this soup lower in fat?
Drain the excess fat after browning the meat and omit the butter at the end.
What is the liquid base for the soup?
The base consists of 8 cups of water mixed with 6 chicken bouillon cubes, or an equivalent amount of chicken broth.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for a large onion, medium carrots, diced green pepper, and spinach or Swiss chard.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer for at least 1 hour before adding the lentils.
What should I do if the soup becomes too thick?
Simply add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
What kind of cheese is recommended for topping?
Grated sharp cheddar cheese is recommended to add a touch of indulgence.
Can I use venison in this soup?
Yes, venison is one of the suggested meats and adds a great depth of flavor.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses one teaspoon each of dried basil and dried oregano.
How much garlic is needed?
You should use between 1 to 3 minced garlic cloves, depending on your taste preference.
Can I substitute Swiss chard for spinach?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1-2 cups of chopped spinach or Swiss chard.
Why is butter added at the end?
Butter is added just before serving to provide added richness to the soup.
Is this soup suitable for tailgating?
Yes, it is described as a delicious centerpiece for a tailgating menu before a big game.
How many carrots are used in the soup?
The recipe requires two medium carrots, peeled and chopped.
Is ground turkey a good option for this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as part of the meat mixture for a leaner profile.
How many lentils are needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of dry lentils.
How should the onion be prepared?
One large onion should be chopped and sautéed until translucent.
What role does the tomato sauce play?
The tomato sauce adds body and a savory depth to the soup broth.
Can this soup be served during the holidays?
Yes, it is perfect for welcoming carolers on a chilly night or for other holiday gatherings.
Should the meat be browned before adding other ingredients?
Yes, sauté the ground meat over medium heat until browned as the first step.
How many chicken bouillon cubes are required?
The recipe uses 6 chicken bouillon cubes for flavor.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically described as a comforting winter soup that warms the soul.
Can I add more vegetables than the recipe calls for?
Yes, feel free to customize the soup by adding more of your favorite vegetables.
How much green pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of diced green pepper.
How long should I sauté the onions and carrots?
Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until the onions become translucent.
Can I use broth instead of water and bouillon?
Yes, you can substitute the water and bouillon cubes with 8 cups of chicken broth.
What is the final serving suggestion?
Serve the soup hot with a garnish of grated sharp cheddar cheese on top.