Spicy Sausage Lentil Soup

Warm up with a hearty bowl of Spicy Sausage Lentil Soup, a soul-soothing recipe that combines bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and an irresistible kick of heat! This savory soup features crumbled spicy Italian sausage, tender green or brown lentils, and a fragrant medley of smoked paprika, cumin, and thyme, all simmered in a rich chicken broth with diced tomatoes. Packed with nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, this one-pot dish is perfect for chilly evenings. A handful of baby spinach can be added for extra greens, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness to every bowl. Ready in just an hour, this comforting and protein-packed soup is easy to prepare, ideal for meal prep, and guaranteed to satisfy. Perfect for fans of spicy, hearty soups, this recipe will be your new go-to for a flavorful, warming meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 2 medium carrot (peeled and diced)
• 2 stalks celery stalks (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons cumin
• 1 cup green or brown lentils (rinsed and drained)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 3

To the pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, thyme, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the lentils, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Step 6

Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

If desired, stir in the baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Step 8

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3079.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2055.2

Total Fat 131.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 272.2mg	0%
Sodium 10168.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 114.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.9g	0%
Total Sugars 36.6g
Protein 113.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 585.2mg	0%
Iron 24.5mg	0%
Potassium 5374.5mg	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: 56.4%

Protein: 21.7%

Carbs: 21.8%