Warm Your Soul with This Hearty Lentil Soup Recipe!
Hello there foodies! Today, I am excited to share with you a recipe that I truly believe will become a staple in your kitchen. Introducing my Easy Lentil & Sausage Soup (Instant Pot) Recipe!
I have always been a huge fan of anything hearty and healthy, and this soup recipe ticks off all the boxes. Plus, it is incredibly easy to make with the help of an Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
Not only is this lentil soup hearty and filling, but it also packs a flavorful punch with the addition of Italian sausage and diced vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, onion, and celery. And don’t forget about the nutrient-packed spinach!
Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly night or something to meal prep for the week, this soup has got you covered. So let’s get started and make some deliciousness happen in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a hearty and healthy soup that is perfect for any season? Look no further, because this Easy Lentil & Sausage Soup has got you covered! Whether you’re in the mood for a warm meal on a cold winter day, or a light but satisfying lunch, this soup recipe can fulfill all of your needs.
First and foremost, this recipe is incredibly simple to make. With minimal prep and only 5 minutes in the Instant Pot pressure cooker, you’ll have a flavorful and nourishing soup that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, the recipe makes a large batch perfect for leftovers or meal prep throughout the week.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily substitute ingredients to make it vegan or vegetarian by using vegetable broth and vegan sausage. If you prefer spicy food, swap out the Italian sausage for some spicy sausage or add in some red pepper flakes. You can also adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more or less broth.
But what really sets this recipe apart is its nutritional value. Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients that support overall health, making it a perfect dish for anyone looking to maintain their wellness goals without sacrificing flavor.
This Easy Lentil & Sausage Soup also features vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, celery, onions, and spinach adding an extra dose of vitamins and minerals. Not to mention the antioxidant properties present in garlic! All of these ingredients are combined together creating wholesome flavors that will fill you up without weighing you down.
In essence, this hearty soup is perfect for any occasion: dinner with family or friends or as meal prep for work lunches. It’s full of nutritious foods that help support healthy living while providing total enjoyment in every spoonful. So whether you’re already sold on lentils or never tried them before – this recipe will undoubtedly become one of your favorite go-to soups.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients we’ll need to make this delicious and healthy soup packed with protein, fiber, and veggies. Don’t worry, most of these will be pantry staples, and you can easily find the rest at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients List
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 lb of bulk Italian sausage (or chicken sausage for a healthier option)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups dried brown lentils
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: If you’re using an Instant Pot pressure cooker, this recipe makes a hearty soup that serves about 8 people. You’ll need an 8-quart pressure cooker insert pot for this recipe. If you have a smaller pressure cooker, just cut the recipe in half. Also, feel free to swap out any of the veggies or protein sources listed here for what you have on hand. This is a very flexible recipe that can adapt to your tastes and preferences.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get cooking! This recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests. Follow these simple steps to cook up a delicious and hearty lentil and sausage soup in no time.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of Italian sausage (or other smoked sausage)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
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Start by setting instant pot to Saute mode. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil, onion, celery and carrots. Cook until the onions are translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
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Next, add the sliced mushrooms and saute for an additional minute.
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Add the sausage and brown on all sides.
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Finally add the beef broth, lentils, diced tomatoes with its juice, salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir.
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Close the lid of your instant pot and make sure the venting valve is set to sealing. Select manual high pressure setting for 5 minutes.
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Once the cooking time has elapsed perform a quick release by moving the valve from sealing to venting.
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Open the lid carefully when all of the pressure has been released. Taste to adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Now add fresh spinach leaves into your soup stirring well until they wilt into the soup.
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Your delicious lentil & sausage soup is now ready!
Notes:
This recipe easily serves 6-8 people and can be easily doubled for a bigger group. This recipe also freezes well, so make sure you have enough for leftovers.
Cooking Tips
- Do not overcook the lentils or they will turn mushy.
- If you want more veggies in your soup, feel free to add additional diced vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegan option.
- Use red lentils instead of brown lentils for a slightly different flavour profile.
Now it’s time to enjoy this delicious and hearty soup with your loved ones. Bon appétit!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit or make adjustments to suit your dietary preferences, this recipe is quite versatile. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try out:
– Vegetarian or Vegan: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also substitute the Italian sausage for vegan sausages, which are widely available these days.
– Gluten-Free: The recipe is already gluten-free as written, but be sure to double-check all of your ingredients just in case.
– Lentil Type: Brown lentils work best in this recipe, but you can definitely experiment with other types of lentils such as green lentils or red lentils. Just note that cooking times may vary depending on the lentil variety you choose.
– Protein: If you don’t have Italian sausage on hand or don’t eat pork, feel free to substitute with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even diced chicken breast. Smoked sausage is another great option that adds a really nice smoky flavor to the soup.
– Vegetables: While this soup recipe includes mushrooms, carrots, celery, and onions, you can mix things up by trying out different veggies. Kale, spinach, or bell peppers would be great additions or substitutions. Just keep in mind that leafy greens like spinach cook quickly and should be added towards the end of the cooking process.
– Spice Level: If you like things hot and spicy, try swapping out some or all of the Italian sausage for spicy sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
No matter what substitutions or variations you try out, this easy lentil & sausage soup recipe will still come out tasting delicious and hearty.
Serving and Pairing
This lentil and sausage soup recipe is hearty and filling and can be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or garlic bread, which can be used to dip into the rich and flavorful broth of the soup.
For a complete meal, you can serve this soup with a side salad made of spinach or kale and topped with sliced bell pepper. The crisp vegetables compliment the warm and comforting flavors of the soup.
Another option for pairing is to serve this soup with a light and refreshing side such as a citrus avocado salad, which brings balance to the flavors of the soup.
Finally, this soup can be served on its own or accompanied with brown rice or breadsticks depending on your preference. No matter how you choose to serve it, this lentil and sausage soup is sure to bring warmth and comfort to any mealtime.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this lentil and sausage soup is that it can easily be made ahead of time. This is especially helpful for those busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. You can make the soup up to three days in advance, store it in an airtight container, and have it ready to go when you need it.
When storing the soup, be sure to wait until it has completely cooled before transferring it to an airtight container. I recommend using a glass container as opposed to plastic since glass doesn’t absorb smells and flavors like plastic does. This will help ensure that the soup stays fresh for as long as possible.
To reheat the soup, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the soup is heated through. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
If you find yourself with leftovers, you can refrigerate the soup for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months. Just be sure to let the soup cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container or freezer safe bag.
When reheating frozen soup, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge or place the bag of frozen soup in a bowl of warm water to defrost quicker. Once thawed, simply follow the same reheating instructions as above.
Overall, this recipe’s make-ahead and reheating capabilities make it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Plus, you won’t have to worry about what to cook because this hearty lentil and sausage soup has got you covered!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to preparing a delicious lentil and sausage soup in an Instant Pot, there are several handy tips that can help you achieve perfect results. From choosing the right lentils to properly prepping the ingredients, these tips will make sure that your soup tastes its best every time.
Firstly, it is important to use brown lentils for this recipe rather than green or red lentils. Brown lentils hold their shape well and do not turn to mush during cooking, making them ideal for this hearty soup.
Properly prepping your ingredients is also key to perfecting your soup. Make sure to finely chop the onion, celery, and carrot so that they cook evenly in your Instant Pot. Additionally, pre-cooking the sausage before adding it to the soup will ensure that it has a crispy texture once cooked.
Using high-quality beef broth as the base of your soup will make a big difference in flavor. If possible, opt for homemade beef broth or a low-sodium store-bought version for a healthier option.
Adding spinach at the end of cooking will not only provide a pop of color but also add extra nutritional value to your soup. Make sure to stir in the spinach just before serving to keep it bright green and fresh.
Lastly, make sure to adjust the seasoning of your soup with salt and pepper at the end of cooking based on your taste preferences. This small step can turn an ordinary pot of soup into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece.
By following these tips, you are well on your way to creating a delicious and hearty lentil and sausage soup in your Instant Pot.
Bottom Line
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I hope this recipe for easy lentil and sausage soup has inspired you to try something new in the kitchen. Not only is it packed with nutritious ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and sausage, but it’s also incredibly simple to make in an instant pot or pressure cooker.
With just a few basic ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking time, you can have a healthy and flavorful meal on the table for your whole family to enjoy. Plus, the versatility of this soup makes it great for meal prep, as it can be easily stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.
So whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner idea or a hearty soup to warm up with on a chilly day, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Easy Lentil & Sausage Soup (Instant Pot) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 large piece celery, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 5 large mushrooms, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth or 4 cups beef stock
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 cup lentils, dry green or 1 cup brown lentils
- 1 teaspoon garlic, crushed
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup spinach, fresh chopped
Instructions
- Press sauce button on the Instant Pot and get nice and hot.
- Add the oil and then the onion, carrots, and celery and saute for 5 minutes.
- Add the sausage and brown for about 5 minutes.
- Add the rest of ingredients and stir.
- Put on the lid and push the lever to the back to pressure cook.
- Press the manual button for 25 minutes.
- When time is up, quick release or let the pressure come down naturally.
- Serve.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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