Hearty Lentil Soup Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
🥣 Servings: 6
🍳 Category: Lentil Soup
🔍 Keywords: Beans, Weeknight, < 4 Hours, Easy
Description:
If you’re a lentil enthusiast, this Hearty Lentil Soup recipe is a must-try! It’s a thick and rich concoction that’s perfect for cozy evenings or quick weeknight dinners. With a savory blend of smoked sausage, vegetables, and spices, it’s a satisfying dish that’s both hearty and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 lb smoked sausage
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 tsp celery seed
- 8-10 drops Tabasco sauce
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp thyme
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp vinegar
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 191.4
- Fat: 6.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.2g
- Cholesterol: 11.6mg
- Sodium: 1427.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.3g
- Fiber: 7.2g
- Sugar: 3.8g
- Protein: 13.6g
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Start by shredding the carrots and smoked sausage in a food processor. Dice the onion and gather the remaining ingredients.
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Combine Ingredients: In a stockpot, combine all ingredients except the vinegar. If you’re using approximately 9 cups of beef stock, you’ll achieve a thick soup consistency. Adjust the amount of stock based on your preference for thickness. If using commercial stocks like Swanson’s, limit to 8 cups to avoid overpowering the flavor. Add water if needed.
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Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 1/2 hours or until the lentils are tender. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Add Vinegar: Once the lentils are soft, stir in the vinegar. This adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, each about 2 cups in size.
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Storage: This soup reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for leftovers. Plus, since it’s low in fat, it can even be frozen for future meals. Simply thaw and reheat whenever you’re craving a comforting bowl of homemade soup.
Tips:
- Experiment with different types of lentils for varied textures and flavors. Green or brown lentils work well in this recipe.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked sausage and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock.
- Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Indulge in the comforting warmth and wholesome goodness of this Hearty Lentil Soup recipe. It’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire, perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends alike!
