Hearty Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup
A comforting and flavorful soup made with Italian sausage, lentils, and fresh vegetables, perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage Adds a delightful spiciness; choose sweet or hot.
- 1 cup Lentils Green or brown lentils work perfectly.
- 2 pieces Carrots, diced Adds a pop of freshness.
- 2 stalks Celery, diced Provides crunch and depth of flavor.
- 1 piece Onion, diced The aromatic base of the soup.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Aromatic and flavorful.
- 28 oz Crushed tomatoes, 1 can Adds acidity and richness.
- 4 cups Vegetable broth Enhances flavor.
- 2 cups Spinach, fresh For added nutrients.
- 2 leaves Bay leaves Infuses aromatic depth.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For sautéing.
- to taste Salt and pepper Seasoning is key!
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook until the sausage is browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
Cooking
- Stir in the lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in the spinach and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Notes
For extra kick, add red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage. For a rich finish, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk. Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.