Are you craving a hearty, flavorful soup that's both comforting and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Lentil and Sausage Soup recipe takes inspiration from the beloved Carrabba's Italian Grill, offering a delicious twist on a classic. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend lunch, or impressing guests with a homemade dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. This recipe is packed with flavor, boasts healthy ingredients, and is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a delicious, easy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your choice!), casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 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 black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: 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. 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.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
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Season and Serve: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious, homemade lentil and sausage soup!
Tips for the Best Lentil and Sausage Soup:
- Don't overcook the lentils: Overcooked lentils can become mushy. Start checking for tenderness around the 30-minute mark.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder soup, omit them altogether.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your soup will be enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Use different sausage: Try using Italian sausage with fennel, chorizo, or even andouille sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add a cup of chopped mushrooms or vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Add a touch of acidity: A splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar at the end can brighten the flavors.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fiber: Approximately 15-20g
This lentil and sausage soup is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food recipes. It's a quick dinner idea, a great homemade cooking project, and easily adapts to different dietary needs, making it one of the best recipes for satisfying and flavorful meals. Enjoy!