Once the weather gets colder, I get on a soup kick. Yes, it is that time of year! I could eat a hearty soup every night for dinner. It is a nice meal that can be made in advance and kept on the stove so that everyone gets a hot meal depending on their activity schedule. I love adding turkey kielbasi to this soup as it adds a nice smoky flavor. You can add any type of smoked sausage but I like turkey sausage so it keeps the calories down and makes it healthier. Yellow lentils are much prettier than the darker ones in this recipe. A bowl of this soup might be even better reheated for lunch the next day.
Smoky Lentil Florentine Soup
1 TBS canola oil
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
1 TBS chopped garlic
12 ounces turkey kielbasi, sliced thin (or other smoked sausage)
16 ounces dried yellow lentils
8 to 10 cups low sodium chicken broth
10 ounce package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and drained
extra water if necessary
salt and cayenne pepper to taste
In a large stock pot, heat oil on medium heat and saute onions, celery, carrots and garlic for 5 minutes or until soft. Add kielbasi and cook for another few minutes. Add lentils, broth and water. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 ½ to 3 hours making sure to stir occasionally. Add extra water if necessary and soup becomes too thick. Add salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Makes about 6 servings.
The Japanese Redneck says
I have a big pot of white bean, pasta and sausage soup in the fridge for tonight!
Your recipe looks good!
Stacey Snacks says
I love lentils! Looks good Lisa!
Bridgett says
I wish it were cold enough to be on a soup kick here but that has never stopped me before from making a pot. This one sounds perfectly warming, especially with that cayenne in there!
Mary says
This really looks like it could warm the cockles of my heart. It's cold and wet here and this would make a perfect lunch. I love the color. Lentils can be unappealing to look at but it looks like you've solved the problem. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary
teresa says
oh what awesome flavors!
Lynne Laino says
Lisa, this looks FANTASTIC!!! I'm definitely making this - thanks so much!
Leslie says
love soup winter,spring,summer and fall! YUM
Lisa says
This looks delicious! I've never made anything with lentils, but it's finally cold again in San Diego so I may have to give this one a try.
Chef Fresco says
We're also on a soup kick - this looks and sounds amazing!
Jeanette says
Yum,love how creamy this soup looks even without any cream!
SMITH BITES says
you are right - perfect on a cold, blustery day!
Aggie says
Wow, lots of us have had lentils and spinach on the brain lately! I made some last weekend too and have enjoyed all week. This looks so delicious! Have never made it like this, always looking for new ways to enjoy lentils!