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Lentil & Sausage Soup with Greens

This Lentil & Sausage Soup with Greens is a hearty and nutritious meal combining savory sausage, tender lentils, and fresh greens. Perfect for a comforting dinner or meal prep, it offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Comfort Food, Easy, Gluten-Free, Hearty, Meal Prep, Quick
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound halal-friendly sausage sliced or crumbled (choose chicken, turkey, or beef sausage)
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1 cup dried brown or green lentils rinsed and drained
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
  • 4 cups chopped kale or Swiss chard stems removed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon optional, for brightness

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced or crumbled sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
  • In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices. Add the rinsed lentils and stir to combine.
  • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  • Stir in the chopped kale or Swiss chard and the cooked sausage. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until the greens are wilted and tender. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Just before serving, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon to brighten the flavors. Give the soup a final stir and serve warm with crusty bread or your favorite side.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Slotted Spoon

Notes

For best results, rinse lentils thoroughly before cooking and use fresh, high-quality sausage. Lemon juice brightens the soup and balances the richness. You can customize by adding more heat, different proteins, grains, vegetables, or herbs. This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes up to 3 months.