If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and full of flavor, this Lentil Soup with Kielbasa is the perfect remedy. It’s packed with protein from the lentils, and has a great smoky flavor from the kielbasa, adding richness to every bite.
The slow cooker method is also a great way to let the flavors meld together. Add all the ingredients into the slow cooker. Cook on a high setting for 4-5 hours or low setting for 7-8 hours. When you get home from work dinner is all done!
Why You’ll Love This Lentil Soup:
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Hearty, comforting, and full of flavor
- Budget-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners
- Even better the next day — great for leftovers
- A cozy, nourishing soup the whole family will love
My boyfriend loves the slow cooker method. He loves the idea of set it and forget it, allowing you to go on with your day. When dinner time rolls around your delicious, hearty soup is ready!
Looking for more ways to stay cozy? Try some of my other soup recipes that are sure to warm you up! My Spicy Shrimp and Rice Soup or the Best Homemade Chicken Soup are just perfect to get the chill out!
Main Ingredients Needed:
- olive oil – Base for sautéing the vegetables and meat.
- yellow onion – Adds a sweet and savory flavor.
- carrots – Adds a natural sweetness and slight earthy flavor.
- celery – Adds a mild, fresh, and slightly bitter flavor to lentil soup. It has a crisp texture when cooked.
- garlic – Adds a sharp, aromatic flavor.
- turkey kielbasa – Will give the lentils a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.
- dried lentils – The star of the soup!
- low sodium chicken or vegetable broth – Acts as the liquid base for the soup.
- tomato paste – Adds a tangy sweetness. It also deepens the color of the soup.
- smoked paprika – Enhances the smoky flavor from the kielbasa while adding a slight heat.
- dried thyme – Offers a subtle, earthy flavor.
- bay leaf – Adds a slight bitter taste that enhances the depth of the soup. It’s removed before serving but leaves behind a noticeable layer of flavor.
- Salt and pepper – Seasoning to help balance all the other flavors.
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Helpful Kitchen Tools:
Swanson 100% Natural Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton (6 Pack)
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel LadleOXO Good Grips Y-PeelerLarge Wooden Cutting Board for Kitchen Meal Prep & Serving – Bamboo Cutting Boards with Juice Groove Side Handles, Charcuterie & Chopping Butcher Block – 100% Organic Bamboo, Pre Oiled, 16Iberia Dry Lentils, 12 Oz365 by Whole Foods Market, Smoked Paprika, 1.87 Ounce365 by Whole Foods Market, Bay Leaves Organic, 0.15 Ounce
Step by Step Instructions:
Sauté the vegetables. Heat oil in a large skillet, add onion, carrots and celery. Cook until soft then add garlic.
Add the sliced turkey kielbasa to the skillet, cook until edges are slightly brown. Add to crock-pot.
Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Mix together. Pour in the rinsed lentils and broth.
Cover the slow cooker and let cook on low for 5 hours, or until the lentils are tender.
Make This Soup Your Own:
- Stir in baby spinach, kale, or Swiss chard in the last 5 minutes for added nutrients.
- For a vegetarian twist, omit the kielbasa and toss in some cubed tofu.
- Don’t like kielbasa? Add shredded chicken, sausage, or crispy bacon for a meaty option.
Storing Lentil Soup with Kielbasa:
- For refrigerator: Transfer to airtight containers: Pour the cooled soup into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Lentil soup usually develops deeper flavors after a day or two, making it even tastier.
- For freezing: Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Lentil soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best texture, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove-top.
Can I add pasta to lentil soup with kielbasa?
Yes, you can! For an extra hearty twist, my mom would always add a small amount of pasta to this soup. She would use a small pasta like ditalini or orzo. You can throw in the pasta during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking and cook until tender. It’s a great way to make the soup even more filling!
What vegetables can I add to lentil soup with kielbasa?
Carrots and celery are classic additions that bring sweetness and depth. You can also add leafy greens like spinach or kale that will add a nice pop of color and extra vitamins. Try adding zucchini or butternut squash these will blend beautifully with the smoky kielbasa.
Lentil Soup With Kielbasa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 turkey kielbasa, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup green or brown dried lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery and carrots, cooking until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove and add to crock-pot.
Cook the kielbasa: In the same skillet add the sliced turkey kielbasa, cook for 4 – 6 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Add to the crock-pot.
Season and combine: Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
Add lentils and broth: Pour in the rinsed lentils and broth. Set the crock pot to high and cook for 4 to 5 hours, or on low for 7 to 8 hours.
Season to taste: Once the lentils are cooked, you can top with Parmesan cheese. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
4 Responses
I can eat this soup all winter long, it hearty & delicious .
Thank you! Hope it kept you warm and toasty!
Thanks Patricia, glad you enjoyed!
Yum