This easy Lentil Soup recipe made with kielbasa is hearty, filling, and loaded with flavorful. It’s gluten free and dairy free, accommodating different diets and can be made on the stovetop or crockpot for an effortless dinner. Perfect for fall, winter, and any occasion.
Easy Red Lentil Soup Recipe
Dried lentils are commonly overlooked and completely underrated, if you ask me. You probably have a bag in your pantry right now that’s been sitting there for ages because you don’t know what to do with it. You probably don’t even know why you bought them to begin with.
Well, dust that package off because this lentil soup recipe is begging for them! Using sweet red lentils, smoked sausage, seasonings, and finished with a bright touch of lemon, you’ll be coming back for second and third helpings.
What Are Lentils?
Lentils are legumes—like their cousins peanuts, beans, chickpeas, and soybeans. They’ve been around for centuries, prepared and included in so many dishes throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
There are several different types of lentils, such as black, brown, green, red, and yellow. The black and brown variety have an earthy flavor, the green has a nutty taste, whereas the yellow and red are on the sweeter side. Red lentils also break down easily and are great for sauces and soups like this one.
Is Lentil Soup Healthy?
This soup is hearty, filling, flavorful, and yes, healthy! In addition to the vegetables and chicken broth, lentils are high in protein and fiber, low in fat, and rich in minerals, making them very nutritious. They’re also a slow burning carb, so they keep you fuller for a longer period of time.
Ingredients Needed
You’ll need the following ingredients for this lentil soup recipe.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Lentils – This recipe calls for dried red lentils. (See note below for different lentils.)
- Vegetables – Diced carrots and onion, and minced garlic.
- Kielbasa – Kielbasa makes this soup more hearty, filling, and flavorful.
- Liquids – Low sodium chicken broth and fresh lemon juice.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and dried Italian herbs season the soup.
- Olive oil – Used to sauté the vegetables. A little bit of butter would also be delish!
Make it Vegetarian
How to Cook Lentils
There are only a few simple steps to make this red lentil soup.
(Scroll to the bottom for our easy printable recipe with the complete directions, and don’t miss the video below.)
- Sauté the vegetables and season with salt and pepper.
- Add mixture to a greased 6-quart crockpot, along with the lentils, broth, and kielbasa.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
- Stir in the herbs and lemon juice.
- Serve with some crusty bread and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Using different lentils. This recipe calls for dried red lentils. You could use yellow or brown, but note that they have a different taste (see above) and the cooking time might be longer.
- Avoid canned lentils. Dried lentils are preferred over canned for taste and texture.
- This soup is thick. You can add a touch more chicken broth to thin it out. Alternatively, if you want it even thicker, a few whizzes with an immersion blender will do the trick.
- Lentil soup thickens the longer it cooks/sits, so if you decide to let it go for 7-8 hours, it will resemble oatmeal more than soup.
- Want to make this on the stovetop instead? Simply sauté the vegetables in a pot, as directed, then add all the ingredients instead of transferring them to a crockpot. Place lid on and turn heat down to medium-low. Simmer for 35-40 minutes or until lentils are soft. Proceed with the recipe as written.
Video: Lentil Soup
Serving Suggestions
Some type of bread to dunk in the lentil soup is a really nice. My favorite choices include popovers, Irish soda bread, or dutch oven bread. For a more complete meal, a simple side salad is great, too.
Proper Storage
- Fridge. Cool completely before storing leftovers. This soup will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Great for lunches throughout the week!
- Freezer. Store in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove, adding a bit more broth to loosen it up a bit.
More Soup Recipes:
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 medium carrots , peeled and diced
- 1 small sweet onion , diced
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper , to taste
- 2 cups dried red lentils , rinsed
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 6 ounces kielbasa , cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
- 2 & 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Coat a 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large nonstick skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and onion; sauté for 4-5 minutes until veggies are tender. Add in the garlic until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Season with the red pepper flakes and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Transfer vegetable mixture to the crockpot, along with the dried lentils, broth, kielbasa, and salt. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for about 5 & 1/2 hours until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in the herbs and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
- Serve on its own or with some crusty bread, if desired and enjoy!
Outstanding! Great flavor and easy to prepare. I did cook my carrot /onion base longer than suggested for tenderness. Was done after 35 mins simmering on the stovetop.
This recipe is so easy, tasty, and such a hit!
This was really good. The kielbasa added a lot of flavor so the type of sausage you use will determine how the soup tastes.
So warm and yummy! I’d add the carrots in later though so they don’t become too soft.
I made this receipe. I added two stalks of celery and three bay leaves to the receipe. It turned out amazing. I will definitely make this again . Thank you for sharing.
Most delicious.
Can I slow cook in oven with a cast iron pot? Temp at 200, for 5-6 hours? What is your recommendation? Thank you
Hi Lori – I’ve only made this recipe in a crockpot or on the stove, so I can’t say for sure without further testing, but I think that would be fine.
This came out SO good! I did it on the stove top and it took about twice as long, but that’s okay. I also added a full pack of kielbasa and some ribs of celery as I didn’t have enough carrots. Even my picky 4 year old ate it!
This was so easy and SO delicious! I made it in my Instant Pot. Sautéed in the pot, added the spices, broth and lentils and set to 7 minutes on high pressure! I will definitely be making this again.
Amazing! Not only is it delicious, my house smells so good! This recipe is definately a keeper and will be my new “go to” during the cold winter season!
Hi, I’ve made this recipe twice now and it’s absolutely delicious ? but it’s only managed to stretch to 4 portions – to double the recipe do I just double all the ingredients?? Thanks
Hi Mel – Your family must enjoy larger portions. You could get away with doubling everything if making on the stovetop in a much larger pot, but I would not recommend doubling everything if making this in a crockpot.
This is so wonderful…. It’s is comfort food and hearty.
Can this be done on the stove top and for how long? Thanks
Hi Judy! Yes, instructions for cooking on the stovetop instead are included in the article under “recipe notes.” Enjoy!
Very tasty, made my own crusty bread to dunk!!!
Could I used canned lentils in place of dried? If so, how would I convert that over?
Made this vegetarian so no kielbasa, used Not Chikn bouillon, no Italian spices or lemon juice. This is husband approved and freezable. I will extend by serving over rice or add potatoes when cooking.
Simple and delicious. The kielbasa flavors the soup which become creamy.
Quick question…..so the herbs and lemon juice go in after it cooks for 5-6 hours?
Hi Jamie! Yes, if you look at the printable recipe card, they’re listed going in after the soup cooks.
This was so delicious. I added some shredded cabbage the last 10 minutes.
I made this yesterday – it was incredibly delicious. I forgot to add the lemon juice. I’m not sure if leaving that out changed the overall flavor all that much. I will definitely make this again.
Wonderful lentil soup – we all loved it. Leftovers the next day were even better!
This was GREAT!
Delicious. I made this a few weeks ago and loved it so much that I’m making it a second time. Great for meal prep for an easy lunch.
My entire family loved this. I used hot dogs instead of sausage (don’t judge!) and my picky eaters gobbled it up!
My husband is Polish so he loves Kielbasa!!! I knew he would like this soup. Winner – will make again.
looks great! i love using the crock pot for soups!
This is a great recipe – and SO easy! Thank you!
What’s not to love? Yummy soup and a great kitchen tool!
Yummy!
I loved my immersion blender so much, I actually wore it out!
What a delicious recipe! I could almost smell the soup here sitting in front of the computer.
This soup looks delicious! I love lentil soup, especially in the winter.
I will try this soup. Thanks, Amy. My stick blender is old and reluctant, so I’d love to win a new one!
I got a new slow cooker recently and this looks so good. I’ll try it soon.
I am seriously obsessed with soups. My large sauce pan might go on strike soon! Lentil soup is one of my favorites. I believe this recipe is goin on my shopping list for next week!
Lentil Soup is an all time fav in my family!!
I love lentils and kielbosa but never thought to put them together. Loved this combination so much, delicious. It was a bit thick, which was perfect for my kids. I just loosened it in individual bowls with warm broth for myself and my husband.
i absolutely love lentil soup – thanks for posting!
This was so delicious and couldn’t be easier. I’m the only one in my family who loves bean/pea soups, but everyone ate this up. Thank you!
I’ve been craving lentil soup lately… your recipe is just in time! I guess I’ll be buying some kielbasa this week!