I'm a soup lover and during the winter months, I make soup about once a week. This red lentil soup recipe has been in the rotation this winter and this year I've been loving it with the addition of sausage.
Winter is the perfect time for hearty, warming soups, and this red lentil and sausage soup is no exception. Lentils are a fantastic source of fiber and protein, and when combined with spicy Italian sausage, they create a delicious, comforting dish that will satisfy your cravings and warm you up on even the coldest of days.
Hearty Red Lentil and Sausage Soup
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| Hearty Red Lentil and Sausage Soup |
This red lentil and sausage soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for the cold winter months. It's easy to make, and the addition of spicy Italian sausage adds a depth of flavor that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. So grab a bowl, and a slice of crusty bread, and enjoy!
Reasons to Love Red Lentil Soup
Red lentils are a superfood that should be a staple in everyone's pantry. They are versatile, easy to cook, and incredibly nutritious. Red lentils are high in fiber, which helps to regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and they are also an excellent source of plant-based protein. In addition, they are low in fat and calories, making them an ideal choice for those who want to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor.
This soup is not only delicious, but it's also incredibly easy to make. It takes less than an hour to prepare and cook, and it's perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. The addition of spicy Italian sausage adds a depth of flavor to the soup, making it a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Red lentils have a creamy texture. You'll enjoy the contrast in texture between the creamy lentils and the Italian sausage.
The Soup Ingredients
1 large onion, diced: The onion provides a base flavor for the soup and helps to create a flavorful broth. If you don't have a large onion, you can substitute 2 medium onions or 2 cups of sliced leeks.
1 large carrot, diced: The carrot adds sweetness and depth to the soup. If you don't have a large carrot, you can substitute 2 medium carrots or 1 cup of chopped sweet potato.
1 cup red lentils: Red lentils cook quickly and create a creamy texture when cooked. You can substitute with green or brown lentils, but they will take longer to cook and create a different texture.
1/2 pound hot Italian sausages, removed from casing: The sausage adds a depth of flavor and spice to the soup. If you don't eat meat, you can omit the sausage or substitute it with plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
3 cloves of garlic: The garlic adds a pungent flavor and health benefits. If you don't have fresh garlic, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: The tomato paste adds richness and depth to the soup.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: The cumin adds warmth and earthiness to the soup. If you don't have cumin, you can substitute with chili powder or paprika.
Tips for Making Red Lentil Sausage Soup
Here are two tips to make the soup-making process even easier:
Freeze tomato paste in one-tablespoon portions. Wrap each tablespoon of tomato paste in a piece of plastic wrap and place the packets into a freezer-safe bag or container. This will make it easier to add tomato paste to your soups, sauces, and stews without having to open a new can every time.
Use a garlic press when using fresh garlic in a soup. This will help to ensure that the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the soup, without leaving large chunks that can be overpowering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of lentil in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any type of lentil in this recipe. However, red lentils are recommended as they cook faster and create a creamier texture when cooked.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Do I need to soak the lentils?
A: No, it's not necessary to soak the lentils. Just give them a quick rinse before using.
Check out my YouTube video for making the Lentil and Sausage Soup.
I usually edit out my bloopers, but not for this video.Lentil and Sausage Soup Recipe
Yield: 8 servings
Red Lentil Sausage Soup
A hearty red lentil soup with hot sausage for kicked-up flavor. Quick and easy to make.
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 40 MinTotal time: 50 Min
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the loose sausage meat in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about five minutes.
- Add the garlic, spices, and tomato paste. Stir to combine and cook for a minute or two.
- Add the diced carrot, lentils, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer. Partially cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve as-is for a delicious homestyle soup. You may also cool the soup slightly and puree half of the soup for a smoother texture. Squeeze a little lemon into the soup for added brightness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
206.62Fat (grams)
10.23 gSat. Fat (grams)
3.53 gCarbs (grams)
16.16 gFiber (grams)
2.93 gNet carbs
13.23 gSugar (grams)
5.18 gProtein (grams)
12.72 gSodium (milligrams)
692.04 mgCholesterol (grams)
21.56 mg
This recipe sounds good, but I can't find when/how to add the lentils in your directions.Am I missing something? Thank you .
ReplyDeleteThank you for pointing this out. I have fixed the recipe.
DeleteMade this last evening. It was ridiculously good. Excellent recipe.
ReplyDeleteThank you for saying so. I agree!
DeleteVery easy to make and tasty, even my 3 year old approves. I tried substituting harissa paste one time making it because I was out of tomato paste, and it gave it a really nice little kick.
ReplyDelete