Crock Pot Lentil and Sausage Soup 🍲
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly winter evenings or busy weeknights – Crock Pot Lentil and Sausage Soup! This recipe, sourced from lovewithrecipes.com, promises a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Let’s dive into the details of this delectable creation:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils 🥣
- 1/2 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced 🌭
- 1 onion, chopped 🧅
- 1 celery stalk, chopped 🌿
- 1 carrot, diced 🥕
- 1 potato, peeled and cubed 🥔
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
- 3 cups beef broth 🍖
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper 🌶️
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated 🥜
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 160 per serving
- Fat Content: 8.3g
- Saturated Fat: 2.9g
- Cholesterol: 18.7mg
- Sodium: 912.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.1g
- Fiber: 3.4g
- Sugar: 2.9g
- Protein: 8.5g
Instructions:
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Rinse and Drain Lentils: Start by thoroughly rinsing the lentils under cold water and draining them. This step helps remove any debris or impurities from the lentils, ensuring a clean base for your soup.
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Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion, celery, carrot, and potato according to the specified measurements. Slice the kielbasa sausage into bite-sized pieces, and finely chop the fresh parsley. Having all the ingredients prepped and ready will streamline the cooking process.
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Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Once all the ingredients are prepared, transfer them to your trusty crock pot. Add the rinsed lentils, sliced kielbasa sausage, chopped onion, celery, carrot, and potato to the pot. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of vibrant flavor.
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Season and Pour Broth: Season the mixture with freshly ground black pepper and grated nutmeg, adding layers of warmth and depth to the soup. Then, pour in the beef broth, which will serve as the savory base for the soup.
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Cook Low and Slow: Set your crock pot to low heat and let the ingredients simmer and mingle for 6 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying soup. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the soup has finished cooking, ladle it into bowls and garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
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Variation: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can swap out the kielbasa sausage for turkey sausage or add extra vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
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Storage: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it an ideal option for meal prep. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Freezing: For longer-term storage, you can freeze individual portions of the soup in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Serve with a Side: Enhance the meal by serving the soup with a side of crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette dressing.
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Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more black pepper for extra spice or a sprinkle of salt if desired.
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Crock Pot Lentil and Sausage Soup, a satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a cozy meal at home, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience. Enjoy the delicious simplicity of homemade soup with this easy-to-follow recipe!