Warm up your kitchen and your soul with this delightful Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil and Arugula Soup! Bursting with Italian flavors and packed with wholesome ingredients, this hearty dish is perfect for cozy nights in or feeding a crowd. Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of savory sausage and fresh herbs wafting through your home after a long day. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day. Ready to dive into a bowl of comfort? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage, sliced
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups arugula
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing, chopping, and slicing: slice sausage into thin rounds, dice onions, carrots, and celery, mince garlic, and rinse lentils thoroughly.
- In a slow cooker, add sliced sausage, rinsed lentils, chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery.
- Pour vegetable broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are mostly submerged.
- Add minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat setting. Cook for 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and lentils to become tender.
- About 10 minutes before serving, stir in fresh arugula, letting it wilt slightly into the hot soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with extra fresh arugula or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and slice the sausage the night before. Store them in the fridge so you can quickly toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning.
- Sauté for Extra Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the sausage and onions in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step caramelizes the ingredients and enhances the soup's richness.
- Customize Your Greens: If you can’t find arugula or prefer a different green, feel free to substitute with spinach or kale. Just add them at the same stage for a nutritious boost!
- Check the Lentils: Different types of lentils may cook at varying times. If you're using red or yellow lentils, keep an eye on them as they tend to cook faster than green or brown lentils.
- Season to Taste: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! After cooking, taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the flavors beautifully.
- Store Leftovers Properly: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
