Craving a warm, comforting bowl of delicious soup that's also good for you? Then look no further! This Carrabba's inspired sausage lentil soup recipe is the perfect answer. It’s a healthy meal, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Forget takeout – this quick dinner idea is ready in under an hour and is sure to become a new family favorite. It's the ultimate in homemade cooking, delivering restaurant-quality results without the restaurant prices!
Ingredients: A Delicious Blend of Flavors
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to create a complex and satisfying taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your choice!), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Simple and Straightforward
This recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. Let's get cooking!
- Sauté the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally.
- Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Don't Overcrowd the Pot: Ensure your pot is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding. This allows for even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Rinse Your Lentils: Rinsing the lentils removes any excess starch and helps prevent the soup from becoming too thick or gummy.
- Adjust Spices to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and spices to suit your preferences. A dash of balsamic vinegar adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Delicious Variations: Explore Your Culinary Creativity
- Add Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and a vibrant green color.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian lentil soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of protein, fiber, and iron, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. Nutritional values will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. For precise calculations, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient details.
This easy and healthy sausage lentil soup recipe is a perfect example of delicious homemade food that’s both satisfying and good for you. Enjoy!