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–+ servings
Lentil Soup Home Style
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 275 kcal

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
Keyword comfort food, hearty stew, home style, lentil soup, one pot meal, spinach soup, vegetarian soup, vintage recipe
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