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Sausage and Lentil Soup

Featured in Comforting Soups & Stews.

Threw together this lentil soup with some kielbasa I had in the fridge. Added harissa and smoked paprika which gave it such good flavor. The lentils got nice and soft while the sausage stayed chunky. Made the whole house smell amazing while it cooked. Had some crusty bread on the side for dipping. Even better the next day for lunch. Love having something hearty and filling that doesnt take much work.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 18:07:48 GMT
A bowl of lentil soup topped with slices of sausage and garnished with fresh cilantro. Pin it
A bowl of lentil soup topped with slices of sausage and garnished with fresh cilantro. | lastminrecipes.com

The Coziest Lentil Soup with Smoky Sausage

This lentil soup has become my winter favorite combining tender brown lentils with smoky sausage and North African spices. Each spoonful warms you from the inside out with rich savory flavors. I love making a big pot on Sunday and enjoying it all week long when I need something comforting.

Why This Lentil Soup Works So Well

I love how this soup comes together in one pot making cleanup a breeze. The lentils cook down into creamy perfection while the sausage adds such amazing smoky depth. Those warming spices like harissa make every bowl feel special. Plus it tastes even better the next day.

What Goes In The Pot

  • Brown Lentils: They get perfectly tender and creamy as they cook.
  • Smoked Sausage: Adds such wonderful smoky flavor throughout.
  • Harissa Seasoning: Brings warmth and a touch of heat.
  • Tomato Paste: Makes everything rich and complex.
  • Chicken Stock: Creates the perfect savory base.
  • Fresh Herbs: Brighten up the whole pot at the end.

Let's Make Soup

Start With The Sausage
Get your pot hot add a splash of oil and brown that sausage until it's golden and delicious.
Build The Base
Cook your onions until soft then add garlic and those amazing spices.
Add Some Richness
Stir in tomato paste and let it cook briefly to develop flavor.
Time For Lentils
Add your lentils and stock bring it all to a simmer and let it cook until everything's tender.
Fresh Finish
Stir in those fresh herbs right at the end they make such a difference.
A black pot filled with lentil soup topped with sliced sausage and garnished with fresh parsley, accompanied by a side of bread and salt. Pin it
A black pot filled with lentil soup topped with sliced sausage and garnished with fresh parsley, accompanied by a side of bread and salt. | lastminrecipes.com

My Soup Secrets

Brown lentils are my go to but green work beautifully if you like more texture. Keep some extra stock handy the soup thickens as it cooks. Any kind of smoked sausage works here use what you love. You can always adjust the spices to make it perfect for your taste.

Serve It Up

This lentil soup begs for good crusty bread on the side for soaking up every drop. Add a fresh green salad and you've got the perfect meal. I always make extra because it reheats beautifully for lunch through the week.

A close-up of a black bowl filled with lentil soup topped with slices of sausage and garnished with chopped parsley. Pin it
A close-up of a black bowl filled with lentil soup topped with slices of sausage and garnished with chopped parsley. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's harissa seasoning?

It's a North African spice blend that adds warmth and heat. If you can't find it, use a mix of paprika and cayenne.

→ Can I substitute the sausage?

Yes, any smoked sausage works well. Choose turkey for lighter option or beef for richer flavor.

→ How do I know when lentils are done?

Lentils should be tender but still hold their shape. Test one by tasting - it shouldn't be crunchy.

→ Can I use different lentils?

Brown lentils work best as they hold their shape. Red lentils will break down too much.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Sausage and Lentil Soup

A filling soup combining smoky kielbasa sausage with tender brown lentils and warming North African spices.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: North-African

Yield: 6 Servings (1 pot)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup olive oil.
02 12 ounces smoked kielbasa, sliced.
03 1 large white onion, diced.
04 6 cloves garlic, pressed.
05 1 tablespoon harissa seasoning.
06 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
07 4 tablespoons tomato paste.
08 16 ounces brown lentils, dried.
09 7½ cups chicken or beef stock.
10 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped.
11 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped.
12 Salt and black pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oil in large pot over medium-high.

Step 02

Brown sausage until golden.

Step 03

Add onions, salt, pepper; cook 2-3 minutes.

Step 04

Add garlic and spices, cook 1 minute.

Step 05

Stir in tomato paste for 30 seconds.

Step 06

Add lentils and stock.

Step 07

Bring to boil, then reduce heat.

Step 08

Cover and simmer 40-45 minutes.

Step 09

Stir in herbs before serving.

Notes

  1. Serve with crusty bread or flatbread.
  2. Can use turkey or beef sausage.
  3. Pick through lentils before cooking.
  4. Soup thickens as it cooks.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot (6-8 quart).
  • Garlic press.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • None.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 283
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 18 g