Warm up with this comforting Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup! It’s a delightful blend of smoked sausage, lentils, and veggies, effortlessly prepared in your Instant Pot or on your stovetop!
This Instant Pot Sausage and Lentil Soup recipe is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for cooler days. This soup combines protein-rich lentils with savory sausage, creating a filling dish packed with nutrients and delicious flavor.
If you are looking for additional hearty lentil soup recipes then you have to check out my Tuscan Lentil Soup, Instant Pot Lentil Soup, and Lentil White Bean Chili.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Soup
- The Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup is a one-pot wonder. Its simple, hassle-free cooking method in the Instant Pot minimizes preparation and cleanup.
- The smoked sausage infuses the soup with a deep, savory taste that’s irresistible.
- Packed with protein-rich lentils and a variety of vegetables.
Recipe Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning – Adds a bold, robust flavor with a blend of spices that elevates the dish.
Smoked Sausage – Adds a rich, smoky flavor and meaty texture.
Paprika – Adds a mild, smoky sweetness while bringing warmth and a touch of color to the dish.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Herbs and Spice Variation – Try adding fresh thyme, basil, or rosemary to your Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or red pepper flakes can also boost the flavor, making the soup taste even richer and more complex.
Topping Options – Finish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream, some grated Parmesan cheese, or a handful of crispy croutons for added texture and flavor. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped green onions or squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top.
How to Make Instant Pot Smoke Sausage and Lentil Soup
For the Stovetop
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprikas, and coriander. Add the lentils and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: Stir in the parsley and serve.
For the Instant Pot
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprikas, and coriander. Add the lentils and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: Open the lid and stir in the parsley. Serve immediately or KEEP WARM until ready to serve.
FAQs
You can add or substitute other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, baby kale, or even baby spinach. Just consider their cooking times for proper preparation.
Absolutely! To adapt the Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup for a slow cooker, first sauté the sausage, onion, celery, and garlic as instructed, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients, except for the parsley. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the lentils are tender. Stir in the parsley before serving.
Storage Info
STORE the Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will stay good for up to 4-5 days. This soup is freezer-friendly – FREEZE it in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
To REHEAT, thaw it in the fridge if frozen, then warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in a microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
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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.
I find the lentils take almost a hour to cook through, after 25 minutes they are still hard as rock??? Am I doing something wrong? Still delicious in the end, just take alot longer!!
I’m sorry, I wish I knew. They shouldn’t have taken that long. I’m am trying to think of why they would have taken that long.
The perfect cold-weather meal. Another great soup recipe, thanks!!
I have never tried lentils. Your recipe looks yummy. Is this spicy with the cajun seasoning, black pepper and 2 kinds of paprika? I don’t handle spicy very well. Would you suggest that I make an adjustment to the seasonings?
I am so excited about this recipe !!!!’ I love in Montana and it is certainly brisk now so perfect soup for today . It’s a plus that you have the Dutch oven recipe as it’s my favorite thing in the world to cook with!!! I stumble across your site on Pinterest looking for a cleaning checklist which I still haven’t found because I got side tracked with all the yummy recipes.
can you tell me how to make this recipe with out an instant pot?
It would be the same method, just on the stovetop in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. I generally simmer it all for 25 minutes. Hope that helps!