Warm up your kitchen and tantalize your taste buds with a bowl of hearty Sausage Kale and Lentil Soup! This comforting dish combines savory sausage, nutrient-rich kale, and protein-packed lentils, making it the ultimate cozy meal for any season. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a delicious soup that not only nourishes your body but also warms your soul. Perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend lunch, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Ready to dive into a bowl of goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage
- 1 cup lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Dice the onion, carrots, and mince the garlic. Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the cooked sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- In the same pot, add diced onions and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and thyme, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the chopped kale. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the kale is wilted and bright green.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and measure out your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process. This will save you time and make the cooking experience more enjoyable.
- Choose Your Sausage Wisely: For a flavor boost, consider using spicy or Italian sausage. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works great too!
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the soup to rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
- Customize Your Greens: If you don’t have kale on hand, feel free to substitute with spinach or Swiss chard for a different twist.
- Leftovers Love: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors deepen over time. It also freezes beautifully, so make a double batch to enjoy later!
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil adds a touch of elegance and freshness to your soup before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
