Introduction
Hey there! So, today I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes that never fails to warm both the body and the soul – Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup. This dish holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of cozy winter evenings spent with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter around the dinner table.
There’s just something magical about the combination of hearty sausage, wholesome lentils, and aromatic spices simmering together in the slow cooker for hours, filling the house with the most incredible aroma. Trust me; this soup is a real crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This:
Whenever I make this Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup, it instantly transports me to a place of comfort and happiness. My family goes crazy for this dish because the flavors are so rich and satisfying, perfect for chilly nights or lazy weekends. Plus, the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need:
– 1 lb of Italian sausage (casings removed)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 ½ cups of green or brown lentils, rinsed
– 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
(Optional: Feel free to swap the Italian sausage for turkey sausage or add some smoked paprika for an extra kick! I sometimes use sweet potatoes instead of carrots for a twist on the classic recipe.)
Directions
To start, brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Once done, transfer the sausage to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until they begin to soften.
Next, add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker along with the lentils, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. I usually sneak a taste at this point to make sure the flavors are just right. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup!
Notes
Through trial and error, I’ve found that this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. So, don’t be surprised if you find yourself looking forward to leftovers!
Variations
One experiment I tried was adding a splash of balsamic vinegar right before serving for a tangy twist. However, I quickly learned that a little goes a long way, so proceed with caution! As for a variation that didn’t quite work out, I once attempted to add coconut milk for a creamy finish, but it clashed with the savory flavors of the sausage and lentils.
Equipment
A slow cooker is essential for this recipe, but if you don’t have one, you can simmer the soup on the stovetop over low heat for a few hours. The slow cooking process is key to developing the rich flavors of the soup, so be patient if using an alternative method!
Storage Information
Though honestly, in my house, Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup never lasts more than a day! However, if you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad to balance out the heartiness of the dish. It’s also a great standalone meal that warms you up from the inside out, perfect for sharing with friends and family on a cold evening.
Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup (Easy & Hearty)
A hearty and comforting soup made with Italian sausage, lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices, simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. This soup is rich, satisfying, and perfect for cold winter evenings.
Ingredients
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1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
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1 onion, chopped
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 ½ cups green or brown lentils, rinsed
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6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
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Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Transfer the sausage to the slow cooker.
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In the same skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
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Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker along with lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
