Warm up with a bowl of our Spicy Sausage Lentil Soup, a perfect fusion of hot Italian sausage, tender lentils, juicy ham, and vibrant veggies that’s sure to satisfy.
My family is obsessed with this spicy sausage lentil soup recipe. It is loaded with flavor from the hot Italian sausage, lentils, ham, and veggies. And has a number of health benefits because lentils are low in calories, rich in iron and folate and an excellent source of protein.
We love soup, especially if it involves lentils, like Tuscan Lentil soup, Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup, Veggie Loaded Lentil Soup or Easy Vegetable Lentil Soup! They’re so hearty and delicious, just like today’s recipe for sausage lentil soup.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love this Lentil Soup
- Sausage and Lentil soup is a comfort food that offers a rich, meaty flavor that’s deeply satisfying.
- Lentils are nutritious and packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
- It’s a hearty meal that can warm you up on cold days.
Recipe Ingredients
- Hot Italian Sausage: Provides a robust and spicy flavor and adds both depth and a meaty texture.
- Tomato: Diced tomatoes add a slight sweetness and acidity.
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, slightly sweet, and peppery with its fresh, herby character.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Sausage Alternatives: For a delightful twist on the classic recipe, explore various sausages like chorizo for a smoky kick, chicken sausage for a lighter touch, turkey sausage for a leaner option, or maple-infused pork sausage for a hint of sweetness.
- Herb and Spice Variation: To boost the flavor of your Lentil Sausage soup, consider smoked paprika for smokiness, Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist, red pepper flakes to intensify the heat, or a classic seasoning duo of salt and black pepper to taste.
How to Make Sausage Lentil Soup
Step 1: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven set over medium-low heat on the stove top, sauté the onion in the olive oil until tender. Add the carrot, celery, and garlic; cook for 1-2 more minutes. Add the sausage and brown, breaking it into bits as it cooks. Drain the grease.
Step 2: Add the chopped ham, tomatoes, water, chicken broth, and vinegar and bring the soup to a boil.
Step 3: Pour in the lentils along with the remaining seasonings/spices and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the lentils are tender and the liquid reduces, about 40-45 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Simmering Technique: Maintain a gentle simmer and avoid a rolling boil after adding the lentils to ensure they cook evenly without becoming mushy.
- Use of a Slotted Spoon: Utilize a slotted spoon when transferring the cooked sausage and ham to the pot. This tool helps to drain any excess fat effectively, ensuring the soup remains rich in flavor but not overly greasy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini to add variety and extra nutrition to your soup. These simple additions can dramatically transform the flavor profile of your dish.
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds brightness, while a dollop of sour cream or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese can provide a creamy finish. For extra texture, try a few croutons or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving.
Yes, split peas can be a great alternative to lentils, offering a similar texture and heartiness. Canned beans are also a convenient substitute; just remember to add them later in the cooking process since they’re already cooked.
Storage Info
STORE the sausage and lentil soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To FREEZE, simply portion it into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to 4-6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use.
REHEAT the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, be sure to stir occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency. You can also reheat in the microwave until everything has warmed through.
Spicy Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion - diced
- 1 large carrot - finely grated
- 1 stalk celery - minced
- 3 cloves garlic - minced
- 1/2 lb hot Italian sausage - uncooked
- 1/3 cup ham - cubed
- 1 small tomato - diced
- 2 cup water
- 4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup dry lentils
- 1 tbsp fresh basil - minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley - minced
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- In a large stockpot or Dutch oven set over medium-low heat, sauté the onion in the olive oil until tender. Add the carrot, celery, and garlic; cook for 1-2 more minutes. Add the sausage and brown, breaking it into bits as it cooks. Drain the grease.
- Add the chopped ham, tomatoes, water, chicken broth, and vinegar and bring the soup to a boil.
- Pour in the lentils along with the remaining seasonings/spices and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the lentils are tender and the liquid reduces, about 40-45 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and serve immediately.
What is the serving size? Your nutritional information gives the serving size as “one serving”, but that gives zero information. Without ounce or cup size, calorie, carb or sodium counts mean nothing and are not even calculable.
Hi Thomas! Great question! The serving size is 1 cup of soup for this recipe.
One of the best soups ever in my opinion. Make it almost weekly. Thanks for the recipe.
I have made this recipe several times & it never disappoints, amazing!