Description
This soup is everything cozy should be: rich, filling, and layered with flavor. Earthy lentils, savory Italian sausage, and tender vegetables simmer in a fragrant broth for the ultimate one-pot wonder. It’s rustic, soul-warming, and guaranteed to win over any crowd. Perfect with crusty bread for dipping and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
Ingredients
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
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6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 bay leaf
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2 cups kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Parmesan, for serving (optional)
Instructions
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Brown the sausage: Heat oil in a large pot. Cook sausage, breaking into chunks, until browned.
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Build the base: Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 min until softened. Stir in garlic for 1 min.
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Bloom spices: Stir in thyme and smoked paprika for 30 sec.
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Simmer: Add lentils, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30–35 min, until lentils are tender.
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Finish: Stir in greens to wilt. Season with salt & pepper. Remove bay leaf. Serve hot with Parmesan and bread.
Notes
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Spicy Kick: Use hot sausage + red pepper flakes.
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White Wine Twist: Deglaze pot with ½ cup dry white wine before broth.
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Veggie Style: Skip sausage, add sautéed mushrooms for umami.
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Creamy Dream: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 360 cal Per Serving
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 22g