This hearty lentil soup with smoked sausage is a comforting dish perfect for cooler weather. It's packed with rich flavors from the smoked sausage and nutritious lentils, making it a satisfying meal for any time of the day. The combination of aromatic vegetables and savory broth ensures every spoonful is delightful.
Photos of Lentil Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe
When preparing this recipe, note that smoked sausage might not be a common household item, so ensure you pick it up at the supermarket. Also, brown lentils are essential for this dish, and while they might be found in most pantries, double-check your stock.
Ingredients For Lentil Soup With Smoked Sausage
olive oil: Used as the base for sautéing the vegetables.
onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the soup.
carrots: Provides a subtle sweetness and texture.
celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and flavor balance.
smoked sausage: Imparts a rich, smoky flavor to the soup.
minced garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its aromatic properties.
chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup.
diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and depth to the broth.
tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the soup.
italian seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that enhance the overall flavor.
brown lentils: The main protein and fiber component, giving the soup heartiness.
salt and pepper: Used to season and enhance the taste of the soup.
parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish when sprinkled on top before serving.
One reader, Forrest Benoit says:
This lentil soup with smoked sausage is a hearty delight! The flavors blend perfectly, and the smoked sausage adds a wonderful depth. It's comforting, nutritious, and easy to make. Highly recommend!
Cooking Techniques for Lentil Soup With Smoked Sausage
How to dice onions: Dicing onions involves cutting the onion into small, even-sized pieces. Start by cutting the onion in half, peel off the skin, and make horizontal and vertical cuts before slicing through to create small cubes.
How to chop carrots: Chopping carrots requires peeling them first, then cutting them into uniform pieces. You can slice them into rounds or dice them into small cubes depending on your preference.
How to chop celery: Chopping celery involves cutting the stalks into small, even pieces. Start by washing the celery, then slice it into thin or thick pieces as needed.
How to mince garlic: Mincing garlic means chopping it into very fine pieces. Peel the garlic cloves, then use a knife to finely chop them until they are almost paste-like.
How to brown sausage: Browning sausage involves cooking it in a pan until it develops a brown crust. This enhances the flavor. Slice the sausage into pieces and cook in a hot pan until browned on all sides.
How to simmer: Simmering means cooking a liquid just below boiling point. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle bubbling.
How to season with salt and pepper: Seasoning with salt and pepper involves adding these spices to taste. Start with a small amount, taste the dish, and adjust as needed.
How To Make Lentil Soup with Smoked Sausage
Enjoy a hearty soup on cold days with this lentil soup made with smoked vegetables, sausage, tomatoes, and lentils, all simmered in a flavorful herb broth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- ½cuponiondiced
- 3pcscarrotspeeled, halved, and sliced
- 3celery stalkssliced
- 14ozsmoked sausagehalved and sliced
- 1½tspminced garlic
- 6cupschicken broth
- 15ozdiced tomatoesdo not drain
- 2tbsptomato paste
- 1tspItalian Seasoning
- 1½cupsdry brown lentilsrinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2tbspparsleychopped
Instructions
-
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until softened.
-
Add the sausage and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes or until just browned.
-
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
-
Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, lentils, and salt and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
-
Cook for 20- to 5 minutes or until lentils are tender. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 507.56kcal
- Fat: 22.43g
- Saturated Fat: 6.27g
- Trans Fat: 0.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.72g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.13g
- Carbohydrates: 49.10g
- Fiber: 8.60g
- Sugar: 10.15g
- Protein: 29.65g
- Cholesterol: 53.50mg
- Sodium: 1162.90mg
- Calcium: 88.65mg
- Potassium: 1169.67mg
- Iron: 5.48mg
- Vitamin A: 304.58µg
- Vitamin C: 18.13mg
Pro Tip for Enhancing the Flavor of Lentil Soup
When cooking the onion, carrots, and celery in the olive oil, make sure to dice them uniformly. This ensures even cooking and enhances the texture of the soup. Additionally, browning the smoked sausage slightly before adding the garlic will deepen the flavor profile of the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Hearty Soup
Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-cooked sausage: Opt for pre-cooked smoked sausage to reduce cooking time.
Instant pot method: Use an Instant Pot to cut down on cooking time for the lentils and broth.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper before starting to cook.
Substitute Ingredients For Lentil Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and a slightly sweeter taste.
celery stalks - Substitute with fennel: Fennel adds a similar crunch and a slightly anise-like flavor.
smoked sausage - Substitute with turkey sausage: Turkey sausage is a leaner option with a similar smoky flavor.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor when fresh garlic is unavailable.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good alternative for a vegetarian option.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar texture and flavor.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can add a similar tomato flavor and thickness.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs.
dry brown lentils - Substitute with green lentils: Green lentils have a similar cooking time and texture.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor.
Presentation Tips for Serving Lentil Soup
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the lentil soup in a shallow, wide-rimmed bowl to allow the vibrant colors of the carrots, celery, and smoked sausage to stand out. A smaller portion will ensure the dish looks elegant and refined.
Use decoration: Garnish the soup with a delicate sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to add a touch of sophistication and a burst of fresh flavor.
Highlight the main ingredients: Arrange a few slices of the smoked sausage on top of the soup, slightly overlapping, to showcase the star ingredient. This will draw attention to the rich, smoky flavor of the sausage.
Add texture contrast: Include a small side of crispy croutons or a slice of toasted artisan bread to provide a delightful crunch that complements the hearty soup.
Use high-quality serveware: Serve the soup in a pristine, white porcelain bowl with a matching plate underneath. The simplicity of the serveware will allow the colors and textures of the soup to shine.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Place a small sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary on the side of the bowl for an aromatic touch that enhances the overall presentation and adds a hint of elegance.
Create a balanced color palette: Ensure that the diced tomatoes and tomato paste provide a rich, red hue to the broth, contrasting beautifully with the green celery and orange carrots. This visual balance will make the dish more appealing.
Use a clean, minimalist approach: Avoid overcrowding the bowl with too many garnishes or additional ingredients. A clean, minimalist presentation will keep the focus on the quality and flavors of the lentil soup.
Serve with a complementary beverage: Pair the soup with a glass of light, crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water to enhance the dining experience and cleanse the palate between bites.
Pay attention to temperature: Ensure the soup is served at the perfect temperature, hot but not scalding, to allow the flavors to meld together harmoniously and provide a comforting, satisfying experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup
Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup, allowing ample space for all ingredients to simmer together.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot.
Chef's knife: Necessary for chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and parsley.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping vegetables and sausage.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning accurately.
Measuring cups: Important for measuring the chicken broth and lentils.
Can opener: Needed to open the can of diced tomatoes.
Ladle: Useful for serving the soup into bowls.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic quickly and efficiently.
Tongs: Useful for handling the sausage while browning it in the pot.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Lentil Soup With Smoked Sausage
- Allow the lentil soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- To freeze the soup:
- Divide the cooled soup into individual portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for efficient storage.
- Lentil soup with smoked sausage can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the frozen soup:
- Remove the desired portion from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the thawed soup to a pot and reheat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.
- If the soup appears too thick after thawing, add a little chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving the reheated soup.
How To Reheat Leftover Lentil Soup With Smoked Sausage
Reheat the lentil soup in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is evenly reheated without burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot. It also allows the flavors of the smoked sausage and vegetables to meld together even more.
If you're short on time, you can reheat the lentil soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat the soup in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
For a crispy twist, reheat the lentil soup in a pot on the stove until it's heated through, then ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a few croutons, then place them under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the croutons are crispy.
If you have leftover smoked sausage, slice it up and pan-fry it until it's crispy, then add it to the reheated lentil soup for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
For a creamier lentil soup, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when reheating. This will add a tangy richness to the soup and make it even more satisfying.
Interesting Trivia About Lentil Soup With Smoked Sausage
A random fact about this recipe is that lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this soup not only delicious but also nutritious.
Budget-Friendly Lentil Soup With Smoked Sausage
This lentil soup with smoked sausage is highly cost-effective. The use of affordable ingredients like lentils, carrots, celery, and onion keeps the cost low while providing a nutritious meal. The smoked sausage adds a rich, savory flavor without breaking the bank. Overall, I would rate this recipe a solid 9 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $12-$15 USD.
Is Lentil Soup With Smoked Sausage a Healthy Choice?
This lentil soup with smoked sausage recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutritious ingredients like lentils, vegetables (onion, carrots, and celery), and tomatoes. Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. The vegetables provide additional fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components, such as smoked sausage, which is often high in saturated fat, sodium, and preservatives. The use of chicken broth also adds to the sodium content of the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the smoked sausage with a leaner protein source, such as chicken or turkey sausage, or opt for a plant-based alternative like vegan sausage.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the soup.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe, such as adding spinach or kale for extra nutrients and fiber.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor without relying on salt, such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika.
- Serve the soup with a side salad or whole-grain bread to make it a more balanced and nutritious meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Delicious Lentil and Sausage Soup
This lentil soup with smoked sausage is a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a cozy meal. The combination of vegetables, smoked sausage, and lentils creates a rich and satisfying texture. The use of Italian seasoning and garlic adds depth to the broth, while the diced tomatoes and tomato paste provide a subtle tanginess. The final touch of fresh parsley brightens the dish. However, consider adjusting the cooking time for the lentils to ensure they are perfectly tender. Overall, it's a well-balanced and comforting soup that can easily become a family favorite.
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Why trust this Lentil Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe:
This lentil soup with smoked sausage is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for any season. The combination of onion, carrots, and celery creates a rich base, while the smoked sausage adds a savory depth. Garlic and Italian seasoning enhance the taste, making each spoonful delightful. The chicken broth and diced tomatoes provide a comforting, soupy texture, and the brown lentils offer a nutritious boost. Topped with fresh parsley, this recipe is both delicious and easy to follow, ensuring a satisfying meal every time.
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