Warm, filling, and simple- this savory lentil soup hits the spot on a cold winter’s night. All that it needs a hunk of crusty bread with butter to dip in it.
Lentil soup is one of those dishes that you make when you are chilled to the bones, have lots of hungry people to feed, or are wanting to keep the food budget in tack. It can even be a “clean out the refrigerator and pantry” type of soup.
Many people have memories of lackluster lentils, making it an unappealing soup.
You can create a flavorful version that will delight your tastebuds and have you going back for more with a few ingredients already in your pantry!
You will be amazed what simple, yet delicious flavor the humble lentil can be capable of.
A steaming bowl of savory lentil soup is literally a bowl of memories for me. My childhood best friend’s mom whom we affectionately called “Mumzy” made lentil soup almost every Friday night when we were growing up.
Lentils simmering on the stove immediately takes me back to her kitchen.
Yet, it was probably one of my least favourite soups as a child regardless of who made it. (Even my mom.) Fast forward several years, as a young adult living in Mexico, I was served a bowl of lentils for breakfast one morning and was amazed how delicious they were.
Good fat and a few spices make all the difference when you are making lentil soup. Some lentil soups only call for water, lentils, onion, and salt.
This hearty lentil soup is loaded with carrots, potatoes, onions, herbs like bay leaf and thyme, and my favourite, kielbasa. While not necessary, the sausage adds a salty and meaty flavor that makes this soup hard to resist.
Water can be used, but I prefer to use bone broth, as lays a beautiful foundation for the soup, and add lots of nutrients!
Make this soup your own by adding other herbs or root vegetables you need to use up! Parsnips, parsley, or even a bit of basil would all make good additions to this soup.
Savory lentil soup is perfect on its own, or for an extra zip of flavor try drizzling it with pesto or balsamic vinegar. You can also top this soup with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Finish off the meal with a slice of crusty sourdough bread slathered with garlic butter and a simple salad.
Savory Lentil Soup
Savory Lentil Soup
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 4 quarts
Savory lentil soup is perfect on its own, or for an extra zip of flavor try drizzling it with pesto or balsamic vinegar. You can also top this soup with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Finish off the meal with a slice of crusty sourdough bread slathered with garlic butter and a simple salad.
Ingredients
- Warm water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups brown/ green lentils
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 large russet potatoes, diced
- 1/2 package of kielbasa, sliced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cover the lentils with warm water and apple cider vinegar. Add enough water to cover the lentils by two inches. Allow them to soak for up to 12 hours.
After soaking, drain and rinse the lentils. Set them aside.
In a large pot, (I prefer an enameled cast iron dutch oven), heat the oil until just warm. Add the kielbasa. Cook until all sides have started to brown slightly. Remove and set aside for later.
Add the onions, saute over medium heat until translucent, this should take about 5-8 minutes. Add the onions and cook for one minute, stirring frequently.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in the broth. Stir and return the heat to medium-high.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to low-medium heat. Cover and allow to simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are soft, stirring occasionally.
Add prepared kielbasa and remove the bay leaf.
Add the salt and pepper to taste.
Top with a drizzle of pesto or balsamic vinegar.
If desired, serve with crusty bread with garlic butter and a simple salad.
Warming ingredients and i totally agree on some sourdough bread. Extra crunch is perfect for a soup.
Sounds like comfort food. Of course, anything is delicious with kielbasa in it. 😉
This savory lentil soup looks so yumm and it’s a complete comfortfood for me. I love lentils and eat it everyday, so this soup is a homerun for us 🙂
I love lentils and I love a good warming soup! Great flavors in this, saving for use this weekend!
Isn’t it amazing how foods we’ve thought boring can be improved upon with a few spices and other tasty additions! I’m glad you didn’t write lentils off!
I don’t use lentils often enough but you’re making me want to! This soup looks hearty and rustic and so very delicious!!!
I love lentil soup. It may just be my favorite!
It is so warm and comforting, isn’t it?
What is it about lentil soup? And I seriously woke up this morning craving kielbasa! ha. I’m going straight to the market this morning. SO yummy!!
Oh, kielbasa… It is pretty amazing, isn’t it?
Sounds like a winner, especially if eating on a budget is the goal! Yum!
Lentils are a wonder at stretching the food budget!
Lentil are so underrated in my opinion. The kielbasa is a great addition here!
They are, aren’t they?
I love lentil soup! This sounds so comforting and nutritious.
Me too!