This hearty "Lentil Soup Home Style" is a nourishing, flavor-packed dish featuring savory sausage, rich tomatoes, and earthy lentils. The addition of chopped spinach and a touch of Tabasco gives it depth and warmth. A perfect balance of protein, fiber, and flavor, it’s a practical one-pot meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table. With basic pantry ingredients and simple steps, this soup is a dependable go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 3 cups cooked ham (diced)
- ½ lb Italian sausage ( or Polish sausage, cut into ½" slices)
- 2 cups onion (chopped )
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 cups celery with leaves (chopped )
- 1 tomato (large, peeled, cored, and cut into wedges)
- 1 cups dried lentils (rinsed)
- 3 quarts water
- ¼ tsp Tabasco sauce
- 1½ tsp salt
- 8 oz frozen chopped spinach (thawed)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Base
- In a large kettle, heat oil.
- Add ham, sausage, onion, and garlic.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
- Add celery, tomato, lentils, water, Tabasco, and salt.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring once or twice.
Step 3: Add Spinach
- Stir in thawed spinach.
- Cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Final Seasoning
- Taste and add additional salt and several twists of freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Add diced carrots or potatoes for extra heartiness
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for deeper flavor
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon to brighten the soup
- Stir in cooked pasta or rice for a more filling meal
- Freeze in quart containers for easy future meals
- Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- Drizzle with olive oil when serving
- Serve with crusty bread or cornbread
- Blend a portion for a thicker, creamier texture
Nutrition
Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 18gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 610mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 4200IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 3.2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!