This Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup recipe makes a hearty soup packed with lentils, smoked sausage and diced vegetables. Easily made on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot!
I know, I really need to make something other than soup with lentils. What can I say, we are kind of obsessed!
We always buy lentils in bulk because if we’re not cooking them as a side dish, they’re getting tossed into a clean-out-the-fridge soup. Lentils are full of nutrients, but specifically protein, fiber and iron. All good things, especially when you’re on a restricted diet like myself.
It doesn’t hurt that our kids love them too. We made this cozy smoked sausage and lentil soup the other day and they demolished it! I was pretty darn proud of them.
I think you’ll love this soup because:
- It’s super easy to make
- It’s made with minimal ingredients
- It’s flavorful and filling
- It’s healthy and wholesome
- It’s dairy-free
Ok, that last one was for just for me. ?
It can be made on the stovetop OR the Instant Pot, the choice is yours. I personally went with the Instant Pot because I had to “set it and forget it” while I ran a few errands. #momlife
Speaking of errands, next time you’re browsing the aisle of the grocery store, make sure to grab some of this Cajun seasoning. This isn’t a sponsored post, I just really love McCormick’s gourmet spice blends. I’ve been grabbing them and using them a lot lately. So easy and they add SO much flavor to a dish.
If you can’t find it you can grab any generic cajun or creole seasoning.
Cook the soup on the stovetop or grab your Instant Pot and let it do all of the work. I highly recommend the latter!
The stock will thicken nicely, the vegetables will be nice and tender and the flavors will be popping without being overwhelming. Of course if you want more wow, you can add a ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for some heat.
I hope you will love this soup as much as we do. Enjoy!
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO SERVE WITH THIS SMOKED SAUSAGE AND LENTIL SOUP? TRY THESE RECIPES:
- 4 Ingredient No-Knead Artisan Bread
- Heavenly Dinner Rolls
- Garlic Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- 1 Hour Dinner Rolls
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Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. smoked sausage
- 1 medium onion - diced
- 2 ribs celery - cut in half lengthwise and cut into thin slices
- 5 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 1/2 tsp. coarse kosher sea salt
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. ground paprika
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/4 tsp. coriander
- 2 c. green lentils
- 8 c. low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 c. petite diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
For the Stovetop:
- In a large stockpot or Dutch oven set over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and celery; sauté for 3 minutes, then add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprikas, and coriander. Add the lentils and cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until the lentils are fully cooked.
- Stir in the parsley and serve.
For the Instant Pot:
- Turn the Instant Pot on the SAUTÉ function mode. Add the olive oil, and once hot, add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and celery, sauté for 3 minutes, then add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprikas, and coriander. Add the lentils and cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the tomatoes. Place the lid on. Turn the Instant Pot on MANUAL mode (high pressure selected) for 15 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to come down naturally.
- Open the lid and stir in the parsley. Serve immediately or KEEP WARM until ready to serve.
This soup is amazing! We love lentil soup too particularly Indian Lentil Soup with Hot Homemade Naan. Since we live in “Cajun Country” we use a variety of Cajun seasonings but the overall favorite here in Lafayette Louisiana is Tony’s Chachere’s. It’s available at WalMart in huge supply and Amazon and many other grocery stores here. We never run out! Tony Chachere’s also makes a variety of dinner mixes which are quite good for a box dinner.
Reminded me of my grandmother’s Hungarian lentil soup, probably because of all of the paprika. So I gave it a couple of other Hungarian tweaks at the end by adding a splash of red wine vinegar and serving it with a dollop of sour cream. I’ve had three servings so far and I’m seriously tempted to have another.
Your additions sound delicious.