Delicious Lentil and Turkey Sausage Soup Recipe
Are you in search of a hearty and nutritious meal that won’t break the bank? Look no further than this rich lentil and turkey sausage soup recipe!
This soup is packed full of protein and fiber, making it a satisfying way to fuel your body on a chilly day. And with flavors like fresh parsley, thyme, cumin, and garlic, you’re in for a treat for your taste buds.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile – swap out the turkey sausage for your choice of protein (chicken sausage, ground turkey, pork sausage) or add veggies like kale or spinach for added nutrients. It’s also perfect for meal prep as it can be stored in the fridge for several days or frozen for later use.
So why not give this sausage lentil soup recipe a try? Your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old soup recipes and searching for something new and exciting to warm your belly on a chilly day? Look no further than our Rich Lentil and Turkey Sausage Soup Recipe!
There are countless reasons why you’ll fall in love with this dish. First, it’s incredibly flavorful thanks to a combination of fragrant herbs and spices like fresh thyme, ground cumin, and turmeric. The smoked turkey sausage adds a smoky depth to the soup that will have your taste buds dancing.
But it’s not just the flavor that makes this recipe an instant classic. It’s also incredibly healthy! Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, making this soup hearty enough to keep you full for hours. Pair it with a dollop of plain yogurt and some fresh parsley for added creaminess and freshness.
And don’t worry if you don’t have all the exact ingredients on hand – this recipe is versatile! You can easily swap out different kinds of sausage, lentils or even add in some kale or spinach for extra greens. Throw in some diced tomatoes for another layer of flavor.
Not only is this soup delicious and nutritious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Don’t be intimidated by the long ingredient list – most of the items are pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. Simply follow our step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time.
So go ahead, treat yourself to a bowl of our Rich Lentil and Turkey Sausage Soup tonight – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
To make this rich lentil and turkey sausage soup recipe, you’ll need a variety of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Here’s the complete list:
- 1 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 8-10 cups vegetable broth and/or water
- 2 cups lentils, green or red
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- Pinch of dried red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving)
- Plain yogurt (for serving)
The Recipe How-To
Before you begin, gather all of the ingredients required to make this delicious soup. Make sure that you have everything on the ingredient list ready to go before starting so that you can have a smooth preparation process. If you’re missing any items, stop for a moment and head out to the grocery store before continuing.
Preparing the Sausage
First, heat up some extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the turkey sausage links to cook for around 5 minutes or until browned on all sides.
Next, add some chopped onions, chopped celery ribs, and chopped garlic cloves to the pot. Cook until golden brown while stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes.
Cooking the Lentils
Add the lentils to your pot along with some dried thyme, sea salt, and optional dried red pepper flakes if desired. Pour in both vegetable broth and water (in a 1:2 ratio) which should be around 8-10 cups of liquid in total.
Make sure everything is mixed well before turning up the heat to bring it all to a boil. Reduce heat down to low-medium so that it simmers and leave it so for 30 minutes uncovered or until cooked through.
Finishing Touches
Once your lentils are fully cooked, remove from heat and stir in a generous amount of chopped fresh parsley (about 2 tablespoons).
Ladle out servings of your rich lentil turkey sausage soup into bowls and top each with a dollop of plain yogurt for an added creaminess factor.
Alternatively, serve along with some crusty bread or crackers on the side as desired.
Now sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Substitutions and Variations
This lentil and turkey sausage soup recipe is not only delicious, but it is also highly adaptable. If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, don’t worry. Here are some substitutions and variations you can make to help you customize your soup.
– Vegetarian: To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the turkey sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
– Different meat: If you’re not a fan of turkey sausage, Italian sausage, chicken sausage or ground turkey can be substituted.
– Lentil variations: This recipe calls for green lentils, but you can also use red lentils or Italian lentils if that’s what you have on hand.
– Add some veggies: This soup can be made with a variety of vegetables. Try adding chopped carrots or bell peppers to the mix for added flavor and texture.
– Spicier option: Add more dried red pepper flakes if you like spicy food. Otherwise, stick to the original recipe.
– Butter instead of oil: If you don’t have extra virgin olive oil, feel free to use unsalted butter instead.
– Make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot: To save time, try preparing this soup using a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Simply follow the same instructions as stated in the recipe and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– Serve it with kale: Add some kale for a heartier dish that’s jam-packed with nutrients and flavor.
Remember, making changes to this recipe ultimately comes down to your personal preference. So don’t hesitate to experiment and make this recipe your own!
Serving and Pairing
The rich lentil and turkey sausage soup is a delicious and hearty meal that can be served as a standalone dish or paired with your favorite sides. The soup has a thick and creamy texture, which makes it ideal for pairing with crunchy bread or crackers. It is also perfect for topping with a dollop of plain yogurt and garnishing with fresh parsley.
For a light and refreshing pairing, consider serving the soup with a salad made of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices. You could also add croutons, nuts, or roasted vegetables to the salad for a more filling option.
If you are looking for something more substantial, consider pairing the soup with a crusty bread and butter. Alternatively, you could serve it with a hearty side dish such as roasted sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, or grilled vegetables.
For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding some dried red pepper flakes or fresh thyme to the soup. These spices will complement the savory flavors of the turkey sausage and lentils.
Overall, the rich lentil and turkey sausage soup is a versatile dish that can be paired with many different accompaniments. Whether you are in the mood for something light or more substantial, this soup will surely satisfy your cravings.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This lentil and turkey sausage soup is perfect for those hectic weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. Luckily, it’s also easily made ahead of time and reheated for later use.
To make ahead, simply follow the recipe as written, allow the soup to cool completely, and transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
When reheating, you can do so on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to thin it out if necessary. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals until thoroughly heated.
One helpful tip for reheating this soup is to reserve some of the fresh parsley and plain yogurt for topping after reheating. This will ensure that your toppings remain fresh and bright even after reheating.
Whether you’re making this lentil and turkey sausage soup ahead of time or reheating it for another meal, you can be sure that its rich flavors will still shine through. With minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious soup that’s perfect any day of the week.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure you achieve the best possible outcome with this rich lentil and turkey sausage soup recipe, I have compiled a few handy tips that will turn your soup into an amazing meal.
Firstly, when cooking the lentils, make sure to not overcook them as they can become mushy and lose their flavor. The best way to cook the lentils is to boil them in vegetable broth or water for about 20-25 minutes until they are tender but still hold their shape.
Secondly, be generous with your spices. This recipe calls for cumin, turmeric, thyme, and red pepper flakes. These spices add depth and richness of flavor that will take your soup to the next level. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice according to your preference.
Thirdly, use a good quality turkey sausage that is low in fat and high in flavor. A smoked turkey sausage or an Italian turkey sausage will work well in this recipe.
Fourthly, don’t let the soup cook for too long after adding the spinach as it can become soggy and wilted. I recommend adding the spinach just before serving.
Fifthly, garnish with some fresh parsley and a dollop of plain yogurt before you serve. This will give your soup some freshness and add extra flavor.
Lastly, feel free to experiment with different types of lentils or sausages like green lentils, red lentils, pork sausage or chicken sausage to put your stamp on this dish.
Following these tips will help you create a delicious and satisfying rich lentil and turkey sausage soup that your family will love!
FAQ
As a cuisine and beverage expert, I know readers will have some questions about the recipe, and that’s why I’ve put together this FAQ section. From ingredient swaps to recommended storage times, these questions and answers will help you make the most out of this rich lentil and turkey sausage soup recipe. So, let’s dive into the most common FAQs that I’ve received about this soup!
Do you have to soak lentils before making soup?
Great news! Lentils don’t require soaking like beans do, but they should still be sorted and rinsed prior to cooking. Keep in mind that the cooking time varies depending on the type of lentil. Red lentils are the quickest to cook and will dissolve as they simmer, resulting in a velvety soup.
How do you spruce up lentil soup?
Looking to enhance the flavors of your dish? Consider trying out different toppings such as a pinch of red pepper flakes to add a little heat, some fresh herbs like a chiffonade of basil, and a sprinkle of seeds or chopped nuts for added texture. You could also add a few peppery cracks and a drizzle of oil to heighten the savory flavor, dollop some plain yogurt or sour cream for a creamy tang, or finish your plate with a handful of oyster crackers for a satisfying crunch. To add a salty kick to your dish, try grated parmesan cheese or some crumbled saltines as a topping. Get creative and experiment with different toppings to make your dish stand out!
Why is my lentil soup bland?
Lentils are highly versatile, making them an excellent choice to incorporate into a variety of dishes. They’re incredibly receptive to different flavors, meaning you can make them taste like anything you want. However, if you don’t infuse them with any flavor, they can come across as quite plain. To combat this, consider adding aromatics to the water or, for an even better taste, opt for chicken or vegetable stock instead.
Can you overcook lentil soup?
Proper preparation of lentils is vital to ensure their texture and overall quality once cooked. It is important to note that overcooking lentils can result in a mushy consistency, which is not desirable for many dishes. Additionally, each variety of lentil has its unique cooking time, so it’s essential to follow the recommended instructions. To achieve the right texture, it is recommended to use 1 1/2 cups of water or broth for every cup of lentils.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the rich lentil and turkey sausage soup recipe is a delicious, hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. With the wholesome ingredients like fresh parsley, lentils, and turkey sausage, this soup provides a nutritious meal that satisfies your taste buds and fills you up.
Whether you prefer a vegetarian or meat-based diet, there are substitution options such as pork sausage or ground chicken that can work just as well. And with tips from the recipe to make it a slow cooker option or even Instant Pot, anyone can prepare this recipe with ease.
By following the step-by-step instructions and helpful tips provided in this article, you’ll be able to produce a restaurant-worthy soup that your family and loved ones will rave about. Give this rich lentil and turkey sausage soup recipe a try today; I promise it won’t disappoint!
Rich Lentil and Turkey Sausage Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups lentils
- 8 -10 cups vegetable broth or 8 -10 cups water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 lb all-natural turkey sausage (or ground turkey) or 1 lb chicken sausage (or ground turkey)
- 2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped (or 1 can, 15 ounces chopped or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 sprig fresh thyme, chopped or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pinch dried red pepper flakes
- sea salt, to taste
- plain yogurt, for garnish
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (flat leaved, if available)
Instructions
- Wash and pick over the lentils (to make sure there are no stones) and bring to a boil in the broth or water in a large soup pot. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté the garlic, onion, celery, and sausage for 5 minutes over medium heat. Add the tomatoes and sauté for another 5 minutes.
- Add the vegetable-sausage mixture and seasonings to the lentils. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt and chopped parsley for garnish.
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.