Lentil Soup with Sausage

Hearty, flavorful, and soul-warming, this Lentil Soup with Sausage is the perfect blend of comfort and nourishment. Packed with protein-rich lentils, smoky sausage, and an aromatic medley of onions, carrots, and celery, this one-pot wonder is elevated with hints of thyme and smoked paprika for a deep, savory kick. Simmered in a robust chicken broth with diced tomatoes and finished with tender greens like spinach or kale, this versatile soup comes together in just under an hour, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner or meal prep staple. Serve it piping hot with a crusty loaf of bread for a meal that’s as wholesome as it is indulgent.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces smoked sausage (e.g., andouille or kielbasa)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups spinach or kale, roughly chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Slice the smoked sausage into rounds and add to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the lentils, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), bay leaves, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Step 7

Return the cooked sausage to the pot along with the chopped spinach or kale. Stir well and let simmer for 5 more minutes until the greens are wilted.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 9

Serve hot, optionally garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3041.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1944.1

Total Fat 127.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 200.1mg	0%
Sodium 8194.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 114.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.9g	0%
Total Sugars 38.3g
Protein 98.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 599.9mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 5133.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.3%

Protein: 19.7%

Carbs: 23.0%