Satisfying Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cups dried lentils
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

This hearty soup is perfect for a cold winter night. The combination of spicy sausage and tender lentils make for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a complete dinner.

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Remove from pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrot, and celery until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.
4. Add the lentils, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until lentils are tender.
5. Stir in the cooked sausage and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

This soup is versatile and can be customized to your liking. For a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for added color and flavor.

This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.