Okay, so listen, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of truly amazing lentil and sausage soup on a chilly evening. I mean, seriously! I remember one particularly brutal winter, the kind where the wind just *howls* and you can barely see past your own front porch? Yeah, well, this lentil and sausage soup? It saved me. It’s just so…*hearty*. The kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s funny, I wasn’t even a huge lentil fan before I started messing around with this recipe, but trust me, the sausage just *makes* it. The spices, the textures…Oh man! It’s just…*chef’s kiss*! This recipe has evolved over time, and I’ve tweaked it to perfection. Now it’s my go-to when I want pure comfort, and I think you’re gonna love it too!

Why You’ll Love This Lentil and Sausage Soup

Okay, so why *this* lentil and sausage soup? Well, lemme tell ya, it’s got a whole bunch going for it! It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s actually pretty good for you! Plus, it’s super versatile. What’s not to love, right?

Quick and Easy Lentil and Sausage Soup

Seriously, who has time to spend all day making soup? Not me! This lentil and sausage soup comes together way faster than those other lentil soup recipes you see. It’s ready in about an hour, tops!

Flavorful and Hearty Lentil and Sausage Soup

This ain’t no wimpy soup! The sausage gives it a richness that’ll fill you up, and the spices? Wow! They blend together for a flavor explosion. It’s total comfort in a bowl, I swear!

Nutritious Lentil and Sausage Soup

Okay, so it’s not *all* about the flavor, right? Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, and the sausage…well, it adds some protein too! It’s a meal that’ll keep you going for hours.

Versatile Lentil and Sausage Soup Recipe

My favorite part is that you can totally make it your own! Throw in some kale or spinach, swap out the sausage for turkey…whatever you’re feeling! It always turns out amazing.

Ingredients for Lentil and Sausage Soup

Alright, listen up! Here’s what you’re gonna need to make this magical lentil and sausage soup happen. Don’t skimp! Quality ingredients make all the difference, trust me. You’ll want: 1 lb. ground sausage (hot or mild, your call!), 1 small yellow onion, 1 cup carrots (diced, please!), 1/2 cup celery (also diced!), 3 cloves garlic (minced – I use a garlic press, so easy!), 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon tomato paste… Oh, and don’t forget 6 cups chicken broth, 2 cups beef broth, a teaspoon each of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce, 1 cup dry brown lentils (rinsed!), a bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon each of dried parsley, oregano, and mustard powder, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1 14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes (drained!). Got all that? Good!

lentil and sausage soup - detail 1

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

Okay, here we go! This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of amazing lentil and sausage soup in no time. Don’t worry if you mess up a little – it’s pretty forgiving!

First things first: grab your biggest pot (a Dutch oven is perfect if you have one!). Brown your sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. I like to use a potato masher for this – works like a charm! Once it’s browned, scoop it out and set it aside, but *don’t* drain all the grease! Leave about a tablespoon in the pot. Or, if you’re feeling virtuous, just use a tablespoon of butter.
Now, add your onions, celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook them for about 4 minutes, until they start to soften up. Then, toss in your minced garlic and cook for another minute. Careful not to burn the garlic – nobody likes burnt garlic!
Next, sprinkle in the flour and tomato paste. Cook this for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps thicken the soup later on, so don’t skip this step!
Okay, this is where it gets brothy! Slowly pour in the chicken and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot as you go. You wanna get all those yummy browned bits off the bottom – that’s where the flavor is!
Now, dump in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (go easy if you’re not a fan of spice!), lentils, bay leaf, and all those lovely seasonings. Give it a good stir and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot *partially*, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. This is important! The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. Set a timer, and go relax for a bit!
Almost there! After 45 minutes, stir in the cooked sausage and diced tomatoes. Simmer for another 10 minutes, just to heat everything through. If the soup seems too thick, add a little water or broth to thin it out.
Taste, taste, taste! Add more salt, pepper, or hot sauce to your liking. And that’s it! You’ve made lentil and sausage soup!

lentil and sausage soup - detail 2

Tips for the Best Lentil and Sausage Soup

Want to take your lentil and sausage soup from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! First off, don’t be afraid to really brown that sausage! It adds so much flavor. And seriously, let it simmer for the full 45 minutes (or even longer!). The longer it simmers, the better it tastes, I promise. Also, don’t be shy with the seasonings! Taste as you go and adjust. A little extra hot sauce? Go for it! It’s *your* lentil and sausage soup now!

Lentil and Sausage Soup Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic lentil and sausage soup, and you’re loving it (I hope!). But what if you want to mix things up a bit? No problem! This recipe is super easy to customize. Wanna add some greens? Throw in some chopped kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. Feeling adventurous? Try different herbs and spices! A pinch of smoked paprika? Yum! Or, how about swapping out the carrots for sweet potatoes? So good! Seriously, the possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions for your Lentil and Sausage Soup

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing lentil and sausage soup…now what? Well, lemme tell you, it’s pretty darn good on its own! But if you wanna make it a *meal*, I’ve got some ideas! A big hunk of crusty bread for dunking is always a winner, right? Or, how about a nice, simple side salad? And if you’re feeling extra indulgent…grilled cheese! Seriously, dunking grilled cheese into lentil and sausage soup? Don’t knock it ’til you try it!

Storing and Reheating Your Lentil and Sausage Soup

So, you’ve made a big batch of lentil and sausage soup (good for you!), and now you’ve got leftovers. Awesome! This soup is even better the next day, trust me. Just let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat it, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s nice and hot. Easy peasy!

Lentil and Sausage Soup FAQs

Got questions about lentil and sausage soup? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me. If you’re still scratching your head, drop a comment below! I’m always happy to help.

Can I freeze lentil and sausage soup? Absolutely! This soup freezes like a dream. Just make sure it’s completely cool before you pop it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it on the stovetop.

What kind of sausage is best for lentil and sausage soup? That’s totally up to you! I usually use Italian sausage (hot or mild, depending on my mood!), but you could also use chorizo, kielbasa, or even ground turkey sausage if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just make sure it’s a sausage you enjoy the taste of!

Can I make lentil and sausage soup in a slow cooker? You bet! Just brown the sausage and sauté the veggies like normal, then dump everything into your slow cooker. Add the broth, lentils, and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Easy peasy!

Do I have to use brown lentils? Nope! Green lentils work just fine, but they might take a little longer to cook. Just keep an eye on them and add more broth if needed. I wouldn’t recommend using red lentils though – they tend to get mushy.

lentil and sausage soup - detail 3

Nutritional Information for Lentil and Sausage Soup

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition info. Here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and honestly, the nutritional content of this lentil and sausage soup is gonna vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use. Different brands of sausage have different fat contents, you know? So, any numbers you find online are just estimates. I can’t guarantee anything! Just sayin’!

Enjoyed This Lentil and Sausage Soup Recipe?

Hey, if you loved this lentil and sausage soup as much as I do, leave a comment below! I wanna hear all about it! And hey, a five-star rating would totally make my day. Share it with your friends, too! Soup’s always better when it’s shared, right?