Spicy Sausage Lentil Kale (Printable Version)

A flavorful mix of spicy sausage, lentils, and kale simmered to comforting perfection in a savory broth.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 12 oz spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 4 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped

→ Legumes

07 - 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed

→ Liquids

08 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
09 - 14 oz can diced tomatoes with juices
10 - 2 cups water

→ Spices and Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1 bay leaf
16 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Oils

17 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, approximately 5 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with juices, broth, water, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
06 - Remove bay leaf from the pot. Stir in chopped kale and simmer uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes until kale wilts and becomes tender.
07 - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • One-pot simplicity: Everything comes together in a single large pot, keeping cleanup to a minimum.
  • Deeply flavorful: Smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, thyme, and oregano build layers of warmth and aroma in every spoonful.
  • Nutritious and filling: Lentils and kale deliver a powerhouse of protein, fiber, and vitamins alongside the hearty sausage.
  • Gluten-free friendly: Simply choose a gluten-free sausage and broth to keep this soup suitable for gluten-free diets.
  • Freezer-friendly: Makes a generous batch that freezes beautifully for up to 3 months — ideal for meal prep.
02 -
  • Remove excess fat: After browning the sausage, tilt the pot and spoon out any pooled fat if needed — a little is welcome for flavor, but too much can make the broth greasy.
  • Don't skip the spice bloom: Cooking the garlic and dried spices for that one minute before adding liquid is a small step that makes a significant difference in the depth and complexity of the finished broth.
  • Check lentil doneness early: Depending on the age and variety of your lentils, they may be tender in as little as 20 minutes — start checking at the 20-minute mark to avoid mushy lentils.
  • Freezing tip: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the consistency has thickened.
  • Allergen awareness: Always double-check the labels on your sausage and broth for gluten or other allergens, particularly if cooking for guests with dietary restrictions.
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