Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup: A Heartwarming Bowl of Comfort

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s loaded with hearty ingredients like Italian sausage and lentils. This Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you just want to feel cozy. It reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scents of simmering broth filled the air, making it impossible not to long for a bowl.

What Makes This So Good

• Rich Flavor: The combination of savory Italian sausage and crispy bacon lends a depth of flavor.
• Nutrient-Packed: Lentils are full of protein and fiber, making this soup filling and nutritious.
• Easy Preparation: With a Crockpot, you can set it and forget it, letting the flavors meld over several hours.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage
• 1 cup (200 g) lentils
• 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes
• 2-3 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Smart Swaps

• Sausage: You can use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
• Broth: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth if you’re going for a vegetarian version.
• Bacon: Leave out the bacon entirely for a lighter soup or use turkey bacon for a healthier option.

Sourcing Tips

• Freshness: Look for sausages with minimal preservatives for the best flavor.
• Ripeness: Choose carrots and celery that are firm and vibrant in color; they will add better texture and taste to your soup.

Directions:

1. In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add Italian sausage. Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes) and drain excess fat.
3. In a Crockpot, combine the cooked sausage, lentils, chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, cooked bacon, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir well and cover the Crockpot.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until lentils are tender and flavorful.
6. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley.

Safety Note

When cooking raw sausage and bacon, ensure to handle them with care to avoid cross-contamination. Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly after touching any raw meat.

Serving, Storage, and Reheat Guidance

This Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup is wonderful served with crusty bread or a simple salad on the side. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat until heated through or microwave in short bursts, stirring often.

Pro Tips

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the soup a day in advance; the flavors deepen overnight in the fridge.
• Transport: This soup is perfect for potlucks. Just ensure it stays hot in an insulated container.
• Re-Crisping: If you want extra crispy bacon, you can quickly pan-fry additional bacon strips and add them just before serving.

Quick Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the pot for a bit of heat.
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in some chopped spinach or kale in the last 30 minutes of cooking for added greens.
• Creamy Texture: Stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving for a creamier soup.

This Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup isn’t just a bowl of food; it’s a comforting hug in soup form that makes cold days a little warmer. Enjoy this nurturing dish with family and friends, and let it evoke those cozy memories in your kitchen!

Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup

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This heartwarming soup combines savory Italian sausage and lentils for a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings.

• Total Time: 375 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage
• 1 cup (200 g) lentils
• 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes
• 2–3 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add Italian sausage. Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes) and drain excess fat.
3. In a Crockpot, combine the cooked sausage, lentils, chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, cooked bacon, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir well and cover the Crockpot.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until lentils are tender and flavorful.
6. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

This soup pairs well with crusty bread. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 360 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: None