### Easy Lentil Sausage Soup Recipe: A Nutritious Comfort Food
Looking for a comforting and nutritious meal that's both simple to prepare and packed with flavor? Try making your own easy lentil sausage soup! This recipe is perfect for cozy evenings or as a hearty weeknight dinner. Below, you'll find detailed steps and SEO-friendly formatting to help you create this delicious dish.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 pound of lentils (green, brown, or any other variety)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 8 ounces of your favorite sausages (such as chorizo or turkey), sliced
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prep the Ingredients**: Start by washing and picking over the lentils to remove any debris. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the carrot and celery.
3. **Add Carrot, Celery, and Sausages**: Stir in the chopped carrot and celery. Cook for about 5 more minutes until the vegetables start to soften slightly. Now add the sliced sausages and stir well so that they are evenly distributed in the pot.
4. **Prepare Lentils**: Rinse the lentils under cold water and then add them to the pot along with 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 cup of water, and the thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. **Simmer Lentil Sausage Soup**: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender and the sausages are fully cooked (check by cutting into one of the sausages).
6. **Season and Serve**: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
7. **Optional: Blend for Creaminess** (optional): For a richer texture, you can blend part of the soup using an immersion blender or transferring some to a regular blender and back into the pot.
#### SEO-Friendly Keywords:
- Easy lentil sausage soup recipe
- Comfort food dinner ideas
- Nutritious vegetarian meal
- Lentil soup with sausages
- Homemade soups
#### Tips for Success:
- Use a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to add more color and nutrients.
- For extra flavor, brown the sausages in another pan before adding them to the pot.
- To make this recipe vegan-friendly, substitute plant-based sausage alternatives.
By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious lentil sausage soup that is not only easy to prepare but also rich in nutrients. Enjoy your meal and stay warm!