Craving a hearty and flavorful soup that's both comforting and satisfying? Look no further than this copycat recipe inspired by Carrabba's Italian Grill's beloved Sausage & Lentil Soup. This delicious recipe perfectly blends savory Italian sausage, earthy lentils, and a rich, aromatic broth, creating a culinary experience that's sure to become a new family favorite. Forget complicated techniques and long shopping lists; this recipe uses readily available ingredients and is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. The depth of flavor belies its simplicity, delivering a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.
Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can recreate this restaurant favorite! From the initial sauté of the sausage to the simmering of the lentils, each step is clearly outlined in the detailed, step-by-step instructions that follow. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm, flavorful goodness that's perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend lunch.
Tools Needed
- Large soup pot
- Immersion blender (optional)
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Onion: 1 large
- Celery: 2 stalks
- Carrot: 1
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Italian sausage: 1 pound
- Chicken stock or broth: 64 ounces (2 boxes)
- Lentils: 2 cups (or more, 1 bag)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Crushed red pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
- Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Fennel seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
- Bay leaf: 1
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté and Brown
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot.
- Sauté mirepoix (onion, celery, carrot) until tender and releasing juices.
- Add crushed garlic and stir.
- Remove most of the sautéed vegetables from the pot.
- Increase heat and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up into smaller pieces.
- Add the reserved mirepoix back to the pot.
Step 2. Simmer the Soup
- Add chicken stock, lentils, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, oregano, thyme, fennel seeds, and bay leaf.
- Stir well, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes.
Step 3. Season and Adjust
- Remove bay leaf. Stir and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed.
- For a thicker consistency, remove about a third of the soup, blend it with an immersion blender, and return it to the pot.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Italian Zucchini Soup with Parmesan Croutons: A Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to control the level of heat.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to make a larger batch.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the Italian sausage?
Yes! Mild or spicy chorizo, kielbasa, or even ground turkey or chicken would work well. Just be mindful that the flavor profile will change slightly.
2. How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, simply simmer it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked lentils before serving.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Carrabba's copycat recipe delivers a restaurant-quality Sausage & Lentil Soup experience right to your kitchen table. Enjoy the warmth and satisfying flavor of this simple yet impressive dish, perfect for any occasion. Now go forth and enjoy a delicious, homemade bowl of culinary comfort!