Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup is the perfect cozy dish for the weather and holiday season. What could be better than a hot bowl of soup snuggled on the couch while it rains (or snows!) outside? The smell, taste, and warmth create instant memories that stick to your bones, just like the hearty broth. I created this soup to use up some of my Thanksgiving leftovers, and it can easily be made with Italian sausage, chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, or even meatless.
If your tummy is still as full as mine is from last Thursday, consider leaving out the meat for a healthier version. The lentils will still provide richness, soaking up all the delicious flavors. Plus, 1 cup of lentils offers 90% of your recommended daily folate and 63% of needed fiber.
The high in East Tennessee was 48 degrees today (I’m writing this on November 26th). Tonight my weather app says it’s 26 outside. It sure felt like 26 when I sprinted to the mailbox with no jacket and bare feet! There’s no way I can get away with a sweatshirt and jeans this winter. This California girl has some things to learn! I need to buy some serious winter apparel or I’ll have hypothermia come February. But I do have to say how fun it is to wear boots and scarves for their intended purpose! It’s not a fashion statement out here; I legitimately need them! These cold days are why I need this yummy Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup in my life.
Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by chopping up onion, carrots, and celery. 1 cup of each should be plenty, but I always add extra.
Pour these into a stock pot with 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Let them cook for a few minutes until they are softened.
Step 2: Add the Meat
Once the veggies are tenderized, add your meat. My hubby loves Italian sausage and I don’t make it very often, so I decided to surprise him! This lentil soup can also be made with turkey leftovers, chicken, ground lamb, or even meatless with extra lentils.
If you’re going for meat, add it in here and crumble it so it can cook evenly. If you have turkey leftovers, add in the neck and innards. They can add flavor to the soup as it cooks but can be removed before serving. Let the meat brown with the veggies until all the pink is gone.
Step 3: Add Lentils and Stock
Once browned, add 1.5 cups of lentils. Any kind is fine; I used brown lentils. Toss in a few bay leaves as well.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Now pour in 6 cups of chicken stock. Here is a good place to use leftover turkey drippings and broth from Thanksgiving. If you don’t have 6 cups worth of stock, that’s fine. Make up the difference with chicken broth or water, but don’t use more than 2 cups of water or you will lose the flavor. Toss in 1 teaspoon of each: kosher salt, black pepper, parsley, and oregano. Bring all of these ingredients to a boil for your Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium/low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Step 5: Add Spinach
While the soup is simmering, pull out a 9 oz bag of spinach and pull off any lengthy stems. Of course, you can leave the stems, but I hate getting those things stuck in my teeth, and I find that they create a hint of bitterness.
Once the lentils are tender, put the spinach in and stir it around. It will wilt in about a minute or two. When that happens, turn the heat off and fish out the bay leaves.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Your Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup!
Now ladle your Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup into your favorite bowl and slurp it up! This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day, perfect for sharing with family or savoring alone while wrapped in a cozy blanket. As you enjoy each spoonful, take a moment to reflect on the comfort of good food and the joy of togetherness.
I also make 30 Minute Chicken Tortilla Soup and 4 Cheese Ravioli and Kale Soup this time of year. Both are incredibly comforting and always warm my bones. If you’re looking for more soup inspiration, be sure to check out my Slurpable Soups Board on Pinterest, where you’ll find a treasure trove of recipes to keep you warm all season long.
So, gather around the table, fill your bowls, and let this Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup be the star of your winter nights. Stay warm, embrace the flavors of the season, and Happy Thanksgiving! Here’s to making delicious memories, one bowl at a time!
