CHUNKY SAUSAGE LENTIL SOUP

Chunky Sausage Lentil Soup image

Lentils are an inexpensive but nutritious power food, and these days, a hot, filling and flavorful family meal at a great price is a real comfort. My husband just loves this soup and it freezes well. -Donna Scarano, East Hanover, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 55m

Yield 10 servings (3-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

8 cups water
1 package (16 ounces) dried lentils, rinsed
1 package (19-1/2 ounces) Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed and crumbled
2 medium onions, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch slices
6 garlic cloves, minced
3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium beef broth
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 medium red potato, diced
1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1-1/2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
Salad croutons, optional

Steps:

In a large saucepan, bring water and lentils to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 18-22 minutes or until lentils are tender. Drain., Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook the sausage, onions, celery and carrots over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes longer., Stir in the broth, tomatoes, potato, thyme and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until potato is tender. Stir in lentils; heat through. Serve with croutons if desired. Freeze option: Reserving croutons for later, freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if necessary. Top each serving with croutons if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 314 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 681mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 17g fiber), Protein 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges