Save to Pinterest A hearty, smoky soup featuring tender lentils, spicy Cajun-seasoned sausage, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, perfect for a warming meal.
This soup quickly became a family favorite with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- Sausage: 350 g (12 oz) smoked andouille sausage, sliced into 1 cm rounds
- Lentils: 250 g (1 1/4 cups) dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, diced, 2 celery stalks, diced, 2 medium carrots, diced, 1 small red bell pepper, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Liquids: 1.5 L (6 cups) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 400 g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes, with juice
- Seasonings: 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional adjust to taste), 1 bay leaf, salt and black pepper to taste
- Finishing: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 34 minutes stirring occasionally until lightly browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In the same pot add onion celery carrots and bell pepper. Sauté for 56 minutes until softened.
- Step 3:
- Stir in the garlic Cajun seasoning smoked paprika thyme and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Add lentils diced tomatoes with juice broth bay leaf and browned sausage. Stir to combine.
- Step 5:
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 3540 minutes or until lentils are tender.
- Step 6:
- Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Step 7:
- Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice if using. Serve hot.
Save to Pinterest This soup brought many cozy family dinners and laughs around the table.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread or over steamed rice for a heartier meal. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer.
Required Tools
Large soup pot cutting board and knife wooden spoon ladle
Allergen Information
Contains Possible gluten (if using regular sausage) celery. Check sausage and broth for gluten or other allergens if necessary.
Save to Pinterest This Cajun spiced lentil and sausage soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that warms the soul.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of sausage works best?
Smoked andouille sausage adds a robust, smoky flavor that complements the earthy lentils well. You can substitute with other smoked sausages if preferred.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omit the sausage and increase the smoked paprika for depth. Add kale or spinach towards the end to boost greens and texture.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
The cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted to taste. Adding or reducing Cajun seasoning also controls the overall heat.
- → What side dishes pair well?
Crusty bread or steamed rice work well to complement the soup’s hearty texture. A crisp white wine or light beer can enhance the meal.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use certified gluten-free sausage and broth to keep the dish gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure safety.