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Bowl of hearty rustic sausage and lentil soup with fresh garden vegetables

Hearty Rustic Sausage and Lentil Soup

A comforting, hearty soup with savory sausage, nutritious lentils, and colorful vegetables—perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Italian sausage Can substitute with turkey sausage for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup dried lentils Green or brown lentils work well.
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes With their juice.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach Optional, but highly recommended.
  • as needed Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, add the sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Stir in the lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  5. In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped kale or spinach.
  6. Give your soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

Notes

Customize with any vegetables you have on hand. Pairs well with crusty bread. Stores in the fridge for up to three days or can be frozen.