If you’re on the hunt for the best lentil soup recipe, look no further. This hearty sausage and lentil soup is packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients. Whether you’re inspired by the flavors of a Carrabba lentil soup recipe or simply looking for an easy lentil soup to whip up on a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers on all fronts
Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make this flavorful, budget-friendly soup. Trust me—once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Lentil Soup
Whether you’re a fan of hearty Italian flavors or someone looking for an easy, flavorful soup, this is hands-down the best lentil soup recipe. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick and simple: No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here!
- Affordable: Lentils and veggies are inexpensive pantry staples, and a little sausage goes a long way in flavor.
- Nutritious: Lentils are a powerhouse of protein and fiber, while the vegetables and broth add vitamins and minerals.
- Meal prep gold: This soup gets even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully.
If you’re a fan of hearty Italian flavors, this soup might even remind you of the classic Carrabba lentil soup recipe—but dare I say, it’s even better.
Cost Per Serving
One of the reasons this soup is a go-to for me is how budget-friendly it is, even with such a rich flavor profile. Here’s a breakdown of the costs for each ingredient:
- Ground Italian sausage (1 lb): ~$4
- Onion, celery, and carrot (1 cup each): ~$1.50
- Red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning: ~$0.50
- Minced garlic (1 tbsp): ~$0.25
- Canned diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): ~$1.20
- Chicken broth (8 cups): ~$3
- Lentils (16 oz): ~$2
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): ~$0.10
- Salt and pepper: ~$0.10
Total cost: ~$12.65
Servings: ~6 hearty bowls
Cost per serving: ~$2.11
For under $3 per serving, you’re getting a comforting, filling, and flavor-packed meal. It’s the perfect example of how delicious food doesn’t have to break the bank!
Want more tips on keeping your grocery costs low? Check out my guide on how to save money on groceries.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy bowl of goodness:
- Ground Italian sausage: Adds richness and a hint of spice.
- Onion, celery, and carrot: The holy trinity of soup-making, known as mirepoix, for a savory base.
- Red pepper flakes: Brings just the right amount of heat.
- Minced garlic: Because more garlic is always better.
- Canned diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano: Adds tangy, herby flavor.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: Enhances the flavors.
- Italian seasoning: For that classic Italian touch.
- Chicken broth: The foundation of the soup.
- Lentils: Hearty, filling, and nutritious.
- Worcestershire sauce: A secret ingredient that deepens the flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Because every good recipe needs a little balance.
How to Make the Best Lentil Soup Recipe
1. Prep Your Ingredients
The first step in making the best lentil soup recipe is preparing your ingredients – Dice your onion, celery, and carrot, rinse your lentils, and gather your spices. This step makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
2. Cook the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat with red pepper flakes. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once it’s browned and cooked through, move onto the next step.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté them with the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and start to release their natural sweetness.
4. Build the Flavor
Building the flavor is key to making it the best lentil soup recipe – Add the minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Add the Liquid Ingredients
Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and lentils and bring everything to a boil.
6. Simmer Until Perfect
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer covered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The lentils should be tender, and the flavors will have melded together beautifully.
If you’re lentils are still tough, continue to cook the soup a little bit longer until they are softened.
7. Taste and Adjust
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you want a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes.
Tips for Making the Best Lentil Soup
- Rinse your lentils: This removes any debris and ensures a clean taste.
- Customize the spice level: Add more or less red pepper flakes based on your preference.
- Use quality broth: The broth is the backbone of the soup, so choose one with good flavor (or make your own!).
- Don’t rush the simmering: Letting the soup simmer ensures the lentils are tender and the flavors develop fully.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the sausage for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Try different lentils: While I use brown or green lentils, red lentils will give the soup a creamier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen as the soup sits, so it’s even better the next day. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Is this similar to a Carrabba lentil soup recipe?
Yes, it has similar Italian flavors, but I think the addition of Worcestershire sauce and the spice level make this the best lentil soup recipe.
Can I use a different type of lentil for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I love the texture of brown or green lentils in this soup, you can experiment with red lentils for a softer texture or black lentils for a slightly firmer bite. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of lentil.
The Perfect Bowl of Comfort Awaits
There’s nothing like a bowl of homemade sausage and lentil soup to warm you up and keep you full. Whether you’re recreating something close to a Carrabba lentil soup recipe or just need an easy lentil soup for dinner, this one is a winner.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments! And don’t forget to share it with anyone who loves a good bowl of soup. Happy cooking!
Best Sausage and Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrot
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes with basil garlic, and oregano
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 16 oz lentils
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients
- Dice your onion, celery, and carrot, rinse your lentils, and gather your spices. This step makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Cook the Sausage
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat with red pepper flakes. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once it’s browned and cooked through, move onto the next step.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté them with the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and start to release their natural sweetness.
Build the Flavor
- Add the minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Add the Liquid Ingredients
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and lentils and bring everything to a boil.
Simmer Until Perfect
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer covered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The lentils should be tender, and the flavors will have melded together beautifully.
Taste and Adjust
- Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you want a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes.
