Savory Italian Sausage and Lentil Medley
Indulge in this comforting Savory Italian Sausage and Lentil Medley, a delightful homage to Carrabba's beloved soup. This recipe was inspired by a cherished supper club member who nailed the taste we all adore. With a blend of hearty vegetables, protein-packed lentils, and robust flavors from the herbs and spices, you’ll find yourself savoring every spoonful. Whether you choose traditional Italian sausage or lean turkey sausage, you'll enjoy a rich and savory experience. Top it off with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an added touch of perfection. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage
1 lb (Remove casing if necessary, then break into pieces.)
Onion
1 large (Chopped.)
Celery
1 stalk (Chopped.)
Carrots
2 large (Chopped.)
Zucchini
1 small (Chopped.)
Chicken broth
6 cups (Use low-sodium broth if desired.)
Diced tomatoes
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (Undrained.)
Garlic
2-3 cloves (Minced.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste.)
Dry lentils
2 cups (Rinse and sort.)
Black pepper
To taste (Freshly ground.)
Red pepper flakes
To taste (Adjust based on spice preference.)
Basil
To taste (Fresh or dried.)
Oregano
To taste (Dried.)
Parsley
To taste (Fresh or dried.)
Thyme
To taste (Fresh or dried.)
Parmesan cheese
For serving (Freshly grated.)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
2
Add chopped onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini to the pot, sautéing until the vegetables are tender, approximately 5–7 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing its fragrance to develop.
4
Pour in the chicken broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes, mixing well.
5
Incorporate the dry lentils, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme into the pot.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
7
Simmer for about 1 hour or until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally. If the soup becomes too thick, add water to achieve your desired consistency.
8
For a creamier texture, puree about 1 cup of the soup using an immersion blender or by transferring it to a blender. Stir the pureed soup back into the pot.
9
Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and basil. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
13.5g
Fat
38g
Carbs
20g
Protein
8g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Italian Sausage and Lentil Medley?
It is a comforting and hearty soup inspired by Carrabba's beloved recipe, featuring Italian sausage, protein-packed lentils, and a blend of vegetables and herbs.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific restaurant?
Yes, this recipe is a delightful homage to Carrabba's popular lentil soup.
What type of sausage can I use?
You can use traditional Italian sausage or lean turkey sausage for a lighter option.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving.
How long does it take to cook the lentils?
The lentils need to simmer for about 1 hour or until they are tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as gluten-free.
How much protein is in a serving?
This soup provides 20g of protein per serving.
What vegetables are included in the medley?
The recipe includes onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini.
How can I make the soup have a creamier texture?
You can puree about 1 cup of the finished soup using an immersion blender and then stir it back into the pot.
What should I do if the soup becomes too thick?
If the soup is too thick after simmering, simply add water until you reach your desired consistency.
What is the recommended garnish?
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
No, you should use the diced tomatoes undrained to include all the juices.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of chicken broth.
What herbs and spices provide the flavor profile?
The soup is flavored with basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
How many grams of fiber are in this dish?
This recipe contains 8g of fiber per serving.
How should I prepare the Italian sausage?
Remove the casing if necessary and break the meat into pieces while browning it in the pot.
What side dish pairs well with this soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your personal spice preference.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There is 13.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 38g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 17 ingredients in this recipe.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to brown the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked.
How long should I saute the vegetables?
Saute the onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until tender.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
There are 2g of sugar per serving.
What kind of lentils should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of dry lentils, which should be rinsed and sorted before use.
How much garlic is recommended?
Use 2 to 3 cloves of minced garlic.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe.
Can I use fresh herbs?
Yes, the recipe notes that you can use either fresh or dried basil, parsley, and thyme.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size and number of servings are not specified, but it uses 1 lb of meat and 6 cups of broth.
When should I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the other vegetables have softened and cook for one additional minute.