Description
A hearty and flavorful sausage lentil soup packed with vegetables, tender lentils, and savory herbs, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound sweet Italian turkey sausage, removed from casings
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 large stalks celery, chopped
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled, smashed and finely minced
- 1 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried fennel
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 Turkish bay leaves
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cup green lentils
- 1 2-inch piece of Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the turkey sausage and cook for 7–10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- If needed, add more oil to the pot. Add onions, celery, and carrots, and sauté for 7–10 minutes until tender and lightly golden. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
- Stir in Italian herbs, oregano, fennel, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, water, crushed tomatoes, and lentils. Stir to combine.
- Add bay leaves and the Parmesan cheese piece.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 20–30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rinse lentils before adding to remove any debris.
- For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for the last 5–10 minutes.
- Parmesan rind adds depth of flavor and can be removed before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
