Sausage, Kale & Lentil Soup
This soup is one of my favorites. It's hearty, loaded with lots of savory flavor. It's also very healthy. You can make this on the stove or in a pressure cooker (Instant Pot).
Servings 8
Ingredients
- 1 quart chicken stock
- 1 can petite cut diced tomatoes
- 1 white onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 3 celery stalks chopped
- 1 clove fresh garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp dried thyme
- 4-5 Italian-style turkey sausage links casings removed
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 small bunch kale chopped
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- kosher salt & pepper
- 1 ½ cups dried lentils red or green, rinsed and picked through
- optional Garnish of fresh Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- NOTE: I have adapted this recipe for the Instant Pot Multi-Cooker as well.In a large pot/Instant Pot inner pot, add about 1 Tbsp olive or avocado oil to medium high heat.
- Add a little oil to the pot. (For the Instant Pot, use the saute cycle to heat up the pot.)Cook the sausage, breaking into smaller pieces, until no longer pink. Add the red pepper flakes, unless you bought spicy Italian sausage. Remove the sausage and drain any excess fat.
- Add a little more oil, then the celery, onion and carrots and saute until tender (2-3 minute)
- Season with kosher salt & pepper, to taste.
- Add tomato paste and cook for about a minute. Add the garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds. Add the dried thyme.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot with the diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Add the chicken stock and rinsed lentils . If cooking on the stove top, simmer for about 30- 45 minutes. If using an Instant Pot, lock the lid on, make sure the vent is closed and press SOUP button (30 minutes). RELEASE the pressure and carefully remove the lid.
- Add the chopped kale and cook for 1-2 minutes (the kale will lose it's bright green color after cooking for a while).
- Taste, and add more salt if desired. Garnish with Parmesan cheese, if desired.