Looking for a comfort food that’s also quite healthy? This Sausage & Lentil soup is right up your alley…perfect for a lunchbox thermos too!
When I made this recipe, I polled my followers on social media and most of you don’t think you like lentils or have never had them. I know this recipe will help you jump on the lentil train! Not only are they affordable, they’re packed with nutrients and have so many uses! Did you know lentil puree can be used for baking for added moisture? You can’t even tell, either!
Most common lentil recipes will use green or red varieties. You’ll need to rinse them well to ensure there is no debris or tiny stones mixed in the bag. This isn’t a Stone Soup recipe! Remember that book?
I’m partnering up with Produce for Kids again this year and I can’t be more excited! Their website has such a wealth of information for parents, plus SO many delicious recipes. Aside from being a great dinner, this lentil soup is perfect for the lunchbox thermos.
1 in 6 children will struggle with hunger this year, which means they could open an empty lunchbox today. Help give back by making the #PowerYourLunchbox Promise with your family. Your promise = 10 meals donated to Feeding America! I love to get the girls involved when I make the promise…it’s a great teaching moment.
This soup is packed with veggies and nutrients…and luck. 🙂 It has been said that eating lentils in the new year will bring luck. Might as well try, right? I like to add chopped spinach in the end instead of parsley for an extra boost of flavor and color.
Quick, easy and nutritous comfort food at it's best: Sausage & Lentil Soup!
- 16 ounces Sweet Italian sausage about 5 links
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 whole carrots, peeled and chopped into coins (cut coins in half if a larger carrot)
- 2 ribs celery, washed and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic
- 14.5 ounce can diced Italian tomatoes
- 1 can white beans (Great Northern) drained, rinsed
- 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups finely chopped Earthbound Farm spinach
- salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 Parmesan rind optional
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Heat a large soup pot over medium high heat. Add sausage and crumble with a flat spatula. Allow to cook until almost all pink is gone. (If you're using a leaner sausage, like chicken or turkey, add a touch of olive oil if needed)
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Add onion, celery, carrots and garlic to pot. Stir. Season with thyme and Italian seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
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Add tomatoes, lentils and beans. Stir to incorporate. Slowly pour in stock and Parmesan rind (optional). Cover and allow to bubble on LOW heat for 20 minutes.
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Taste broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove Parmesan rind and add chopped spinach. Allow to wilt for 1-2 minutes.
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Serve with crusty bread and extra cheese.
Be sure to head to the Power Your Lunchbox website for delicious recipes for all meals!
Do you use lentils? What’s your favorite recipe?
Looks delicious!!