This is one of those cold-weather meals that makes you want to curl up on the couch in front of a crackling fireplace and stay there all day. It’s super easy to make, and unlike beans, you don’t have to soak the lentils overnight. So there you have it; there are tons of reasons to love this soup. I’ll admit, tasty over healthy wins almost every time, but with this sausage and lentil soup recipe, you get a twofer. It’s packed with all kinds of nutrients without sacrificing taste. Seriously, lentils are seriously underrated! Brown lentils are the happy medium and the best option for this soup. Their earthy flavor and moderate cook time make a firm yet deliciously tender dish. But, hey, you use your favorite.
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Sausage Lentil Soup
Short Soak – Soak lentils in cold water for about two hours or in boiling water 20 minutes before cooking. Lentils cook up quickly, so this step is optional. (Photo 1)Cook the Sausage – Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Then when the oil is hot, cook the sausage, stirring frequently until it’s brown, 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside. (Photo 2)Add the Veggies – Then add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and garlic is fragrant, 3-5 minutes. (Photos 3-4)Seasonings – Next, add tomatoes, lentils, Creole seasoning, bouillon powder, and broth. Mix to thoroughly combine, and then bring to a boil. (Photos 5-6)Simmer – Return cooked sausage, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover pot, reduce heat, and simmer until lentils are tender, 35-40 minutes. (Photo 7)Final Stretch – Stir in the spinach and pepper flakes if using them, and simmer for 3-5 more minutes until the spinach wilts. (Photo 8)Serve – Remove the bay leaf and serve warm in a bowl with a slice of crusty bread.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
This lentil and sausage soup is very make-ahead friendly. You can make this deliciousness a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge if you’d like. Simply reheat it on the stovetop before serving. Or, you can keep it in airtight containers in the freezer for three months. Thaw the soup out in the fridge the night before you want to reheat it.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Serve sausage lentil soup piping hot with plenty of crusty bread. Yum! Store leftover lentil soup with sausage sealed in the fridge for 3-5 days. You can reheat this soup in the microwave or on the stovetop on medium heat until it is warmed through.
What Goes with Sausage Lentil Soup
Bread goes with sausage lentil soup! Crusty homemade garlic bread, Indian fry bread, and garlic knots are some of my favorite breads to pair with this soup, but any bread will taste great. Yay, bread! Sometimes I like to round out this hearty dish with a salad too. A basic wedge salad to add freshness is ideal, or a sweet potato salad complements the soup’s flavors just perfectly.
More Soul-Satisfying Soup and Stew Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Is cold weather on the horizon? Never fear; this soup will keep you warm and satisfied all winter. Are you a lentil lover? If so, please share your favorite lentil recipe in the comment section below. I always love hearing from you. 🫶
Watch How to Make It
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