Sausage & Lentil Soup (From Carrabba's)

sausage

🥗Healthier: turkey sausage

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Turkey sausage is lower in fat, while ground beef is often less expensive.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon

Homemade broth can be healthier, while bouillon is a cost-effective alternative.

spinach

🥗Healthier: kale

💰Cheaper: cabbage

Kale offers more nutrients, while cabbage is often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while canola oil is a budget-friendly option.

In a large stockpot/soup pot heat one tablespoon of oil.

Add diced carrot, diced celery, chopped onion and crushed garlic.

Saute until tender.

Remove vegetables from the pot.

Remove casings from Italian sausage if necessary and add sausage to pot.

Brown and chop up small. Drain fat if necessary.

Add sautéed vegetables back to pot with sausage and add in the chicken broth.

Add in diced tomatoes with their juice.

Add in dried/washed lentils.

Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, fennel seeds and bay leaf.

Simmer until the lentils are tender, 30-45 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: