Hearty Lentil Soup
About this recipe
Hearty Lentil Soup is a comforting classic, perfect for chilly days. This recipe, inspired by Chef Jean-Pierre's grandmother, combines spicy Italian sausage with a medley of vegetables and lentils for a rich, flavorful dish.
What sets this version apart is the careful layering of flavors, starting with the caramelization of the sausage and vegetables, which adds depth to the soup. Plus, the combination of brown and orange lentils ensures a satisfying texture.
Ingredient notes
- Use 227g of spicy Italian sausage for a kick of flavor.
- Feel free to substitute the fresh thyme and sage with dried herbs if you don't have them on hand.
Tips from Chef Jean-Pierre’s video
- Sauté the sausage first to achieve a nice caramelization, which enhances the flavor of the soup.
- Add vegetable stock right after the garlic to prevent it from burning and to help develop the flavors of the vegetables.
Good to know
- How long does this soup take to cook?
- The total cooking time is about 60 minutes, with 45 minutes of simmering after bringing it to a boil.
- Can I use different types of lentils?
- Yes, you can substitute the brown and orange lentils with other types, but the cooking time may vary.
No life story here — the video and the recipe are the whole point. All credit to Chef Jean-Pierre: watch the original on YouTube.
The recipe
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
In a large pot, cook the spicy Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- 2
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- 3
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 4
Stir in the diced celery and carrots, cooking for a few minutes until slightly softened.
- 5
Pour in the vegetable stock to prevent burning the garlic and vegetables.
- 6
Add the crushed tomatoes, brown lentils, and orange lentils to the pot.
- 7
Stir in the fresh thyme, sage, and basil.
- 8
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 45 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- 9
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the diced sweet potato to the soup.
Heads up — we had to guess a little:
- Estimated the quantity of garlic based on common usage in similar recipes.
Credit where it’s due: this recipe was transcribed from Chef Jean-Pierre’s original video on YouTube. Follow them there — it’s their dish.
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