Lentil and Sausage Soup is both hearty and delicious. This one pot meal is a snap to make, freezes beautifully, and is packed full of vegetables and protein. It’s definitely comfort in a bowl!
1poundsmoked sausage,cut into ¼-inch pieces rounds
1medium onion,chopped (about 1-½ cups)
1 to 2celery stalks,chopped into ¼-inch pieces (about ½ cup)
1large carrot,chopped into ¼-inch pieces (about ½ cup)
1small zucchini,chopped into ¼-inch pieces (about ¾ cup)
3clovesgarlic,minced
48ounceslow sodium chicken broth
28ouncecan petit diced tomatoes
1teaspoonsalt
½teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
½teaspoondried basil
½teaspoondried oregano
½teaspoondried thyme
1 ½cupsdry lentilsrinsed
Instructions
Cook sausage in Dutch Oven over medium heat. Drain well on paper towels pressing as much grease from the sausage as possible. Pour fat from Dutch Oven, and wipe with paper towels. Return to medium heat.
Add onions, celery, carrots, and zucchini to Dutch Oven. Cook stirring frequently to loosen the bits from the cooked sausage for about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Add chicken broth, tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and thyme; stir to combine ingredients.
Add lentils. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cover and reduce heat to low.
Simmer for about 1 hour, or until the lentils are tender. Add more water or broth if necessary for desired consistency.
Correct the seasonings. If desired, sprinkle with parmasean cheese. Serve.