Smoky Sausage and Lentil Soup
Smoky Sausage and Lentil Soup is a hearty, one-pot meal packed with rich, smoky flavors from sausage, paprika, and slow-simmered lentils. It’s filling, deeply satisfying, and perfect for a comforting meal any time of year.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American, European
1 tablespoon olive oil 12 oz smoked sausage sliced (such as kielbasa or andouille) 1 small onion diced 2 cloves garlic minced 2 medium carrots peeled and diced 1 rib celery chopped 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon cumin 1 cup brown or green lentils rinsed ½ cup crushed tomatoes 4 cups chicken or beef broth ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste ½ teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and lentils. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, and bay leaf.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
Return the sausage to the pot and stir. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
For a spicier version, use andouille sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Pair with garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Keyword lentil soup, one-pot dinner, smoky sausage soup