Lentil Sausage Soup | Feasting At Home

This hearty, comforting Lentil Sausage Soup is made lighter with turkey sausage! Packed with rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, its clean, healthy, and loaded with protein.

Lentil soup and I have a special connection. As a child with a frugal Middle Eastern father, lentil soup often happened in my growing-up years. It was healthy, filling, and, most of all, affordable. Little did I know that one day, it would ultimately become my favorite comfort food.

With dozens of healthy, delicious lentil recipes, many of our most comforting meals on the blog often involve lentils. As the weather turns chilly, lentils offer hearty comfort and wholesome protein and nutrition.

And this lentil sausage soup is no exception! The delicious flavor will have your family asking for more. Packed with veggies, fiber, and protein, it is made lighter with ground turkey (instead of pork).

Why You’ll Love This Lentil Sausage Soup

1. Hearty and unbelievably satisfying with protein-packed lentils, comforting turkey sausage, and wholesome veggies. We skip the pork in this recipe!
2. Family-friendly and freezer-friendly. A rich and flavorful soup the whole family will love! Plus, it’s easy to store in the freezer for busy weeks.
3. Easy to make with simple ingredients. Only 20 minutes of prep time before simmering.

Lentil Sausage Soup Ingredients

• Lentils: We use black lentils, but you can also use brown lentils, green lentils, or French green lentils.
• Ground turkey: Or use any meat of your choice ( ground beef, lamb, chicken or vegan “meat’)
• Sausage seasonings: Dried sage, red pepper flakes, crushed fennel seeds, marjoram (or sub oregano), and onion powder.
• Yellow onion, garlic cloves, carrots, and celery: These veggies provide a savory, aromatic base for the soup.
• Cauliflower: Soaks up all the delicious flavors and adds a bit of extra heartiness and comfort.
• Fresh rosemary: Or sub fresh thyme. Adds a fragrant, woody, and earthy aroma for coziness.
• Smoked paprika: To make the soup even heartier, this spice adds smokiness and subtle heat.
• Bay leaf: Adds depth and enhances the flavors in the soup.
• Canned tomatoes: We prefer to use whole San Marzano tomatoes, though diced tomatoes work too.
• Tomato paste: To richen the broth, while adding to the savory flavor.
• Chicken stock: Or use veggie broth if you prefer. Homemade stock adds even more depth of flavor!
• Red wine vinegar: A hint of acidity that makes all of the flavors come alive.
• For serving: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with parmesan cheese and crusty bread.

How to Make Lentil Sausage Soup

Step one: Add the ground turkey to a large bowl and mix with salt, pepper, sage, red pepper flakes, fennel, marjoram, and onion powder.

Step two: In a large pot, add olive oil and onion, sautéing over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until tender and fragrant. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon. Add the turkey sausage and cook until browned. Add garlic and sauté a minute more.

Step three: Add celery, carrots, cauliflower, rosemary, smoked paprika, bay leaves, pepper, salt, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and lentils.

Step four: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender.

Step five: Stir in red wine vinegar, then taste and adjust for salt and pepper. Enjoy the soup right away or let it cool and store in the fridge. This soup is always better the next day!

Variations

• Lentils: Instead of black lentils, you can also use brown lentils, green lentils, or French green lentils. If using any of these varieties, add the lentils and broth after step 2 and simmer for 10 minutes before adding the vegetables.
• Add dark, leafy greens: If desired, add chopped kale or chard in with the veggies. Or you can add a handful of baby spinach just before serving.
• Make it vegan: You could try this with a plant-based chorizo!
• Other possible additions: Green peas, white beans, or root vegetables would be tasty additions.

Storage

Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 4 days. You can freeze the soup for 2-3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish the Lentil Sausage Soup with fresh parsley or basil and serve with parmesan cheese and crusty bread, like our Homemade Sourdough. A simple salad like our Roasted Vegetable Salad would also make a nice side dish.

Enjoy this easy Lentil Sausage Soup recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments!

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