Imagine coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of a hearty lentil soup simmering gently in your kitchen, a bowl of comfort waiting just for you. Our Crock Pot Lentil Soup with Sausage is not just any soup; it's a delightful blend of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep time and allows you to set it and forget it while it cooks to perfection. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a nourishing meal that serves six, making it ideal for family gatherings or meal prep for the week. Ready to tantalize your senses? Let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 pound sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and drain, removing any small stones or debris.
- Slice the sausage into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes to enhance flavor and remove excess fat.
- Chop the onion into small, uniform pieces. Dice the carrots and celery into similar-sized small cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Transfer the browned sausage to the crock pot, then add the rinsed lentils, chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are mostly covered by the liquid.
- Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the mixture. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the lentils to become tender.
- After cooking, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little hot water or additional broth to reach desired consistency.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris or small stones. This ensures a cleaner soup and better flavor.
- Brown the Sausage: Browning the sausage before adding it to the crock pot enhances its flavor and reduces excess fat, resulting in a richer soup.
- Chop Uniformly: When chopping vegetables, aim for uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking and a pleasant texture throughout the soup.
- Adjust the Consistency: If your soup turns out thicker than desired, simply add hot water or more broth until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Season to Taste: After cooking, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the flavors significantly.
- Garnish for Flair: Serve your soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
- Make It Ahead: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
