Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul! This extraordinary lentil soup is not just another recipe – it's a perfect symphony of smoky, sweet, and hearty flavors that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience. Imagine a bowl filled with tender lentils, savory smoked sausage, and unexpected bursts of apple sweetness that will make your family beg for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 apples, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of smoked sausage, 1 cup of lentils, 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 chopped apples, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 tsp of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and has released some of its flavors into the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and diced carrots to the pot with the sausage. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots start to soften.
- Next, add the chopped apples to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the apples to soften slightly and mingle with the other ingredients.
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and then add them to the pot. Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and sprinkle in the thyme. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- After 30 minutes, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. If you like a thicker soup, you can use a potato masher to mash a portion of the lentils against the side of the pot.
- Once seasoned to your liking, remove the pot from heat. Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the lentil soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your hearty meal!
Tips
- Choose high-quality smoked sausage for maximum flavor depth – the better the sausage, the more delicious your soup will be.
- Don't rush the sautéing process. Browning the sausage and vegetables develops rich, complex flavors that are crucial to this soup's success.
- Rinse your lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris and prevent a gritty texture.
- For a thicker soup, consider mashing some of the lentils against the pot's side during the final cooking stage.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify overnight.
- Experiment with garnishes like fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of sharp cheese to add extra dimension to your soup.
- If you prefer a less chunky soup, you can blend a portion of the soup to create a creamier consistency while maintaining the robust textures.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
