It’s time to ease up.
It’s time have a cup of tea. It’s time to play with the cat until he scratches you. It’s time to sit on the couch and stare at the wall a bit. It’s time to stand in the kitchen and eat Ritz crackers and chug orange juice.
It’s time to make a giant pot of soup… and sorta use a recipe… but not really use a recipe.
It’s just time to ease up just a bit….
Tomorrow we can finish shopping, plan big Christmas dinners, finish knitting mittens, and start wrapping presents. For now let’s just ease.
This Spicy Chicken Sausage and Lentil Soup is a hearty winter soup. It was made for your heart and for your soul. It is a healer of all things. But!
There’s all sorts of goodness you could make on your plan to ease up just a bit.
Take in the scenery. Take in the soup!
a. Bright orange Carrot Apple Ginger Soup. Sweet and spicy and so so healthy!
b. Kale and Sweet Potato Soup. You’re the picture of health. No biggie.
c. There’s Vegan Cream of Broccoli Soup, all creamed up with blended raw cashews.
d. Ok… I’m a soup fiend. Would you believe me if I told you that this Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup is the best soup I’ve ever made? It’s major. It’s bonkers. It’s veganly beefy.
e. Roasted Garlic Soup I want to bathe in. It feels like old romance.
Spicy Chicken Sausage and Lentil Soup
makes a big pot of soup. serves 8
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound spicy chicken sausage, uncased
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 celery stalks, finely diced
2 carrots, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
2 cups uncooked French lentils, rinsed
8 cups chicken stock
salt and pepper to taste
parmesan cheese, olive oil, and bread to serve
in a large saucepan over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add the uncased chicken sausage and cook, breaking up with a spatula as it cooks. Sausage should finish cooking in small chunks. Remove from the pan.
Add a touch more olive oil if necessary. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until the onions are transluscent, about 5 to seven minutes. Stir occasionally. Add the garlic, cumin, and chili flakes, and cook for one minute more.
Add the sausage back to the pan. Stir to incorporate. Add the lentils and chicken stock. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup, uncovered, until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes.
Serve soup with a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and good crusty bread. Soup will last, in an airtight container in the fridge, for up to 5 days. Soup also freezes well.
Melissa
This soup is deelish and soup easy!! I halved it but still had plenty for lunch and dinner the next day and it tastes even better reheated:-) I have a new love for lentils..
Kaytie
Made this for dinner this week – it was delicious! Lentil soup is a winter staple in our household, but I was getting tired of the same old same old recipe. We loved the hint of cumin and red pepper flakes in your version, thanks for the great recipe! :)
Susan
Made this today. Yum! I went to Whole Foods and had the butchers mix up some fresh chorizo using turkey for me. No casing to deal with, great spices involved too. Can’t wait to try it with another fresh sausage from there!
Lucia
I’ve drank cup of teas. I’ve stared at the wall. I’ve eaten hot soups. I’ve talked with my friends. It’s perfect. I just miss snow.
shady gardener
My daughter steered to me to this recipe. She said I’d Love it! :-) I look forward to trying it – and your others!!
Angela harvell
Substitution: any comments on substituting garam masala for cumin in this recipe. I like the earthiness, but I’m tired of cumin. (at least tired of the dominant taste of cumin) I haven’t made this yet.
Alissa
I made this for dinner last night and it hits the spot!! I am going to make again 100%, though I love Leslie’s idea with the chorizo added in. This is now on my go to soup list for 2012. Thank you so much!
Leslie
Hi Joy and community! Relatively long-time reader and first time poster. I just made the lentil soup this past weekend with chorizo and very fresh produce. The chorizo also gives a great kick. Very, very good! Thank you for this awesome recipe. Please keep them coming.
Amy
I just made this soup with some spicy turkey sausage that we like, and it was so AMAZING! Seriously, this recipe is a new cold weather favorite. You’re a genius :)
rachael
this looks so great!
Elexis
Joy,
Just made your soup (without the sausage) and it was so good! It was my first time making lentils, I think I am in love! Thank you so much for the great and goofy podcast and beautiful blog!
-Elexis
kayleigh
this looks awesome! making it tonight!
Shannon
Yummy, we just had a very nice family dinner. My husband never likes bean soup and he went for seconds. My 4 and 6 year old kiddos devoured it. The french lentils maintained their texture nicely which was a plus. I served with popovers which worked well. Thanks for an easy healthy recipe that we will be sure to have often.
Susan
Made this afternoon. Hubs gobbled down 3 bowls of it after a chilly day sailboat racing in Boston Harbor. As he slipped in to bed beside me, he exclaimed that it ws the best thing he had ever eaten, ;)
Katie @ Arugulovers
Thank you for this recipe, this is exactly the sort of soup I’ve been craving lately. I love the texture of lentils, and this looks good and hearty. I will try ASAP!
Your blog is great, I’m really enjoying it! Happy holidays!
Gen
Yum! It looks very comforting. And I love the plate!
heidih
oh my goodness, joy, you have the BEST soup recipes on your blog! that collage is so delicious, upon seeing it i wanted to make all of those recipes at once! your ginger and lentil soup recipe is a favorite – thanks for another yummy lentil recipe!
KatieB
This came just in time! We’ve been making lentil soup sans recipe, every week, for months. And always with toasted crusty buttered bread too. Then last week something weird happened….I got tired of it. But adding chicken sausage? Well that’s a whole nother meal! (Yes, I said “nother”. Everyone says it but nobody ever writes it…what’s up with that?) I am totally trying this recipe.
Betsy
I want to know what soup that feels like old romance tastes like! I love lentil soup.
If any of you love sea glass, check out my website – I make ornaments and jewelry out of sea glass I’ve collected!
christine [the sugar apothecary]
Damn girl, you are a soup-makin’ machine! I’ve been on an express train to Christmasland lately… sometimes I need that reminder to relax a little and enjoy the holidays, rather than rush through them in pursuit of curling ribbon and stocking stuffers. Maybe I’ll go play with my sister’s cat until he scratches me.
Anne
Mmmmm! Definitely food to warm the soul.
Kasey
You made me feel all cozy inside. *where are my slippers?!?*
heart heart,
Kasey
Geez Louise!
time to stand in the kitchen and eat the caramel corn hot right out of the pan… breath … then eat some more~
Jessica @ The Desert Abode
I like to sip soup because it forces me to slow down. This is the perfect reminder to put the to-do lists aside for a moment and enjoy the season. Loved the new podcast, too!
Kacie @ A Collection of Passions
Love it. It’s definitely a soup day here. Snow and all. Happy eating.
Kacie
Gigi
I believe this was inspired by someone famous for being Barefoot? Yes? My mother makes that version, but your recipe looks like much more my style. I have all the ingredients in my fridge as we speak and I’m ready to make this for dinner. It’s a soup night in Washington, D.C. Yes ma’am.
Julie @Savvy Eats
Perfect timing…my husband is home sick today, and I was just about to go to the grocery store to get some soup ingredients!
Clare @ SweetnSimple
Huge fan of lentil soup :) I will be making this for sure.. thanks for posting! Gorgeous pictures ;)
Beckidoo
Dear Joy,
I just wanted to let you know that you’re a lifesaver. Your blog and recipes has gotten me through all my university exams and endless essays. When that work piles up on my desk and my brain turns into a complete mess of discourse analysis and queer theory there’s no better way to gain sanity than making pie. And stew. And cookies. Honestly, just reading about you making them spikes sanity-levels instantly.
Thank you thank you thank you for sharing your passion, it is so very inspiring.
Krissy @ Krissy's Creations
This lentil soup looks like the perfect winter-time dinner. I trust all your recipes and will definitely be making this soon :)!
charis
Nothing better than warm soup on a cold winter’s night :)
Ann
This looks delicious! I’m a HUGE fan of soups (especially this time of year) and lentils! Thanks for sharing and your pictures are beautiful!
Kocinera
I am so with you on the soups! I can’t get enough of ’em lately. That lentil soup sounds like such a comforting, filling, yum-tastic winter dish.
Ronni
I love lentil soup and to take it from good to over the top delicious? I add a smoked turkey leg or thigh. It’s crazy good.
Cara
Yes. I am totally feeling some warm healthy goodness right about now.
Cupcake Kat
Everything looks delicious and healthy. I unfortunately have to get through exams before I can totally relax. These satisfying recipes can definitely get me there
bg
you posted this on the perfect day. thanks for a reminder to be good to myself today. making soup was the best choice i made all day.
The Cozy Herbivore
Mmmm, lentil soup! So warming, so filling, so comforting! Looks perfect for these chilly days. And I totally agree with you– it’s time to RELAX before the holiday madness. Soup is the answer for all of life’s stressors!
Foy Update: Garden. Cook. Write. Repeat.
Someone has a thing for drizzeling oil. :)
I personally love lentil soup with some fresh bread. I don’t know a more humble and satisfying meal.
joythebaker
guilty.
Maja
love your writing, it always makes me smile.
Stacy @ Say It With Sprinkles
I’m glad you reminded me about that vegan mushroom soup! Gonna have to finally give that one a whirl!
Cucumber Sprouts
I like!!!! I am going to try it this weekend – feeling like comfort food! Talking about comfort food, I just posted a really warming (and healthy recipe) of corn/poblano soup!!! http://cuceesprouts.com/2011/12/creamy-poblano-chile-soup-with-corn-and-chanterelle-mushrooms/ Yumm!!!!
Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet
Yum. Yum. Just yum.
Ann P.
WOW this looks amaaaazing, especially since i’m freezing my butt off right now!! Job well done once again, Joy!
Carissa
Your mushroom soup is amazing! I’m a big soup lover, too.
nicole {sweet peony}
i’ll take the whole pot please. k, thanks!
Jessica @ Cajunlicious
So glad I came across your blog from a fellow foodie, this looks fantastic! You’ve got yourself a new follower! XO Jessica @ Cajunlicious
Caitlin
After reading this post I got lost in all your different soup recipes for about 20 minutes. Yum! They all look so good. I LOVE soup. I am definitely gonna have to try out some of your recipes soon.
Catherine
Yes! Soup! I love it! I am going to make some soup!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes
YUM this sounds really good!
margaux
No way! I made lentil and chorizo soup for dinner last night! It was delicious and perfect for the season.
Cris
How perfect that this post arrived on a cold, rainy day. Now … which soup to pick to make first???
Mallory
The vegan cream of mushroom would definitely be my first choice but the lentil one looks good too. Heck they all look good!
No easing up for me though. I’ve got a final exam tomorrow then I fly home. I have to study and be all packed and ready to go. I’ll ease up once I get back to Calgary….well probably not, who am I kidding?
Maia
Sounds like a deliciously tasty and hearty soup. I appreciate that you built in two ways for readers to cut the spiciness if desired – either buy omitting the red pepper flakes, or using mild sausages. I laughed out loud at your “eat ritz crackers and chug orange juice” bit. We definitely are guilty of indulging in that kind of snacking pattern!
Andrea
ME WANT SOoOOOUUUUUPPPPPP
Kirsty
You read my mind! Just yesterday I thought to myself, “I need to find a good lentil recipe,” and here you are sharing one. And it’s perfect, because having the spicy sausage in it will make my husband like it too!
Mary @ Bake Break
Those all look wonderful! That carrot ginger soup might come to fruition here tonight! Thanks for the, as always, wonderful recipes!
Rebecca in STL
Yay! I’ve been looking for a good lentil soup recipe. I may leave out the sausage, though.
laura @ glutton for nourishment
this is exactly what i need right now. thank you!
Redhead in the Kitchen
Yum. And how did I miss that roasted garlic soup?! I had a version of this soup at this crazy place in NYC that was so cheap and had a menu so extensive I ate there three times in a row when I was only in the city a few days. It was just that good. I can’t wait to conjure the memory with this soup!
Katie
I’m such a soup fiend too! Chicken sausage is a great idea. We eat lentils a lot so it’s time to try a new variation.
Susan (Oliepants)
I have been eating soup lately like it’s the reason for the season. And lentil soup is one of my favorites right now. Delicious!
Sarah McD
Joy, you are a beautiful and talented mind reader. I LOVE lentil soup and have been eating way too many cans of the Progresso version. However, I hate how high it is in sodium and wanted to try making it myself. Next thing I know, you post a recipe for lentil soup. You are a God-send!
Laura Adams
Oh a bunch of those sound so good! And I frequently make something kinda with a recipe, but not really. It allows creativity. :)
Sarah-Anne
lentil soup is an absolute winter favorite of mine!
Jay @ LocalFood.me
All of these look like a perfect fit for winter. Warm, cozy, and good for the soul.
Helene @ Homebound
your lovely post wants me to eat soup. :-) my mom makes the meanest russian borscht i can think of and i already had a big bowl full of it today but your lentil soup… hmmm, delish… and the mushroom soup… and… and… i suppose i’m a soup friend, too. ;-)
Lindsay @ The Live-In Kitchen
Unfortunately I just can’t get into soup. It’s a texture thing. Brothy soups aren’t so bad and maybe the texture of the lentils would help, but I’m not sure I’m brave enough to try! I am jealous of your love for soups though because they look so warm and comforting. You live in California, you have no idea how badly I need warm and comforting in Wisconsin!
Jen Laceda
Oooh, I want to try all those Vegan Cream soups!!!!
Jillian
I love your idea to ease up and take a breather. Just yesterday evening I was in my kitchen eating Ritz and chugging some juice directly from the bottle. I will try your lentil soup this evening.
Sara
You’re so right! This is high-stress time around my house. Totally time to ease up. Perfect time for a warm throw-it-all-in soup. Thanks for reminding me to slow down and smell the “soup”!
katie @KatieDid
Oh weird, I just arrived home yesterday for a month and my mom had a huge vat of sausage lentil soup on the stove ready to go. We have so much leftover its all I’ve been eating since, without complaint- it’s SO delicious!
Diana
I want to put this in my mouth, like immediately.
Jessica @ hungrygems
Earthy and lush in color…you KNOW that’s good for the body. Add those regimented, uniform grates of parmesan that slowly and lusciously melt into the soup and congratulations, you’ve made it good for the soul. Yummy!
Lynne @ 365 Dys of Baking
I have fallen in love with lentil soup. Not so sure about the addition of the chili though. Can’t do spicy, but definitely have to have the buttered bread!
Great post, Joy!
Sara
This soup looks amazing! Right now I’m about to wake my three littles up for school…gonna try the pb and banana milkshake/smoothie on them. What kind of blender do you have? Would you recommend it? I’m shopping around!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
soup with bread and butter is what winter’s all about!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
I’m kind of addicted to lentil soup, love this!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
This soup is absolutely wonderful!I can’t wait to try :)
Katie
Eating a bowl of lentils at this very moment. Which actually doesn’t sound as heartwarmingly delightful as it is. And oh, it is. Joy, we’re so psychically connected in the unvierse right now. Fo’ sheezy.
Jess
Yes. YES. Amazing, I am making soup today!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles
Joy, you are *so* good at what you do!!!
Priyanka
Wow….that looks delicious
charlie
whoa…lentils (not my favorite) and sausage (my favorite). it’s like dog/cat love. hang on…*passes out*
Saranac Rootbeer…Ritz (at least a sleeve)…it’s like my own 6-course tasting menu.
Gary
Think I’ll save myself a few pennies next week and make this. I’ve got homemade chicken stock in the freezer just sitting there. :)
Fred @ Savorique
I make the same amazing soup weekly, except that I never use chicken stock as it tends to offset the other flavors rather than enhance anything. I eat my soup with basmati.
thelittleloaf
Sausage with lentils is one of the best combinations on earth. And the perfect winter warmer in preparation for the onslaught of Christmas :-)
Vanessa @ Strickly Speaking
Oh Joy, I love you. And I have a new-found love for lentils.
To cut costs and go easier on all our bodies I’ve started doing at least one meatless meal a week. Lentils have been well-received {and that by 3 grown men! shocking!}.
Now if only I could find good sausage here in Kampala….
Kathryn
Yeah, I really need to take a moment and just have a big bowl of soup right now before I get too caught up in the holiday madness!
Mar García
Hi, Joy, thanks a lot for your posts, they´re just awesome!! Here in Spain Lentil soup is a traditional meal that takes very common in every home, but we do not add chicken, we add a “chorizo” (spicy sausage). Love your cinnamon rolls recipe!!
Katie
I know what you mean, I call this time of year ‘crackers’, where I come home all burnt out and can’t think about anything and just stand in the kitchen eating crackers straight from the box. If I don’t have something healthy to grab and reheat quickly, crackers is all I’ll eat. Lucky for me, I just made a huge pot of spicy lentil and kale soup to use up a truckload of kale I had sitting in my fridge. So hearty and good!
Jessica
It’s all about the Ritz Crackers and a real coke while I read Marie Claire while standing over the sink.
But I could also see it being all about this Lentil Soup. Anything that comes with buttered bread is a sure winner in my book!
Maggie @ A Bitchin' Kitchen
This sounds amazing! I live alone, and love making soups in the wintertime to have as dinner all week!
Do you use uncooked chicken sausages for this? I buy those pre-cooked Al Fresco brand chicken sausages sometimes, and am wondering how they’d work out.
sweet road
Wow you have been cooking up some soups! They all look so delicious I can’t just pick one recipe to try!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
Carrot Apple Ginger Soup. Sweet and spicy and so so healthy! <– every time I see the pic of that soup, I want it!
And the fact that you think the vegan 'shroom soup is the best ever soup, period…speaks volumes. I need to try it!
Alex
Too much chicken, not enough lentils and chilli.
But i am a chilli addicted vegetarian, so what would i know?
I am going to have to make a variation of this.
Kaci
You don’t have to use any chicken. My dad has made his family lentil soup recipe for 30 years and has never used meat. :)