I can't get over how delicious and hearty this soup is with the combination of vegetables and Italian sausage. The rich flavors of the sausage add a perfect punch of umami to the soup, making it a truly satisfying meal. On top of that, this soup is incredibly easy to make and is perfect for those colder and windy days, especially here in the Midwest. Not only is it comforting and flavorful, but it is also packed with essential nutrients like protein, and vitamins like potassium which is great for your heart. The added dose of vitamin C is also great for boosting your immune system. It's clear that this soup not only warms you up, but it also nourishes your body, making it a favorite in my household.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup green lentils
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Add in the butternut squash and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and lentils. Stir to combine.
5. Season the soup with garlic powder, salt, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and dried sage.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the butternut squash is tender.
7. Once the butternut squash is tender, use an immersion blender to blend half the soup. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a blender but be careful as the soup will be hot.
8. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese.