Carrabba’s Spicy Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe

Carrabba’s Spicy Sausage Lentil Soup is one of those comforting, soul-warming dishes that has a bit of everything: rich flavor, hearty texture, and a satisfying kick. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of sitting down at Carrabba’s Italian Grill and tasting their delicious soup, you know it’s not just a bowl of broth and vegetables. This soup is a vibrant symphony of ingredients, with tender sausage, earthy lentils, and a deep, savory broth that brings it all together.

The combination of spicy sausage and lentils makes for a hearty meal that is both filling and balanced. Plus, it’s perfect for chilly days when you’re craving something rich and flavorful but also nourishing. The lentils bring a nutty, earthy flavor while the sausage adds a bit of heat and depth, making it a perfect dish to enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.

Even better, this soup is relatively easy to make at home, and I’m about to walk you through a homemade version that brings all the restaurant flavor right to your kitchen. It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner but still impressive enough for a weekend gathering. So, let’s dive in!

Carrabba’s Spicy Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe

This soup is an embodiment of comfort food, with a spicy kick that comes from Italian sausage. It’s one of those recipes that can be easily adapted depending on your tastes and the ingredients you have available. The hearty lentils and sausage create the perfect balance, while the vegetables add freshness and crunch, making every spoonful more satisfying than the last.

Ingredients Needed

To make this fantastic soup, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s the full list:

• Italian Sausage (spicy or mild) – Ground, for the base flavor and richness. The spicy sausage is what gives this soup its signature kick, so if you want to adjust the heat, feel free to use mild sausage or add extra chili flakes.
• Green Lentils – These earthy lentils hold their shape better than other types and provide a nice chewy texture to the soup.
• Olive Oil – For sautéing the veggies and creating the base of your soup. A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is ideal here.
• Yellow Onion – Sweet and savory, this gives the soup its aromatic foundation.
• Carrot – Adds a subtle sweetness and a nice pop of color to the mix.
• Celery – For a bit of crunch and freshness.
• Garlic – The secret to adding layers of flavor. Be sure to sauté it lightly to bring out its natural sweetness.
• Diced Tomatoes – Canned or fresh, tomatoes add acidity and balance the richness of the sausage.
• Chicken Broth – This serves as the flavorful base for the soup. You can use vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian version.
• Bay Leaves – To infuse the soup with a deep herbal aroma.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – For that signature spicy kick. You can adjust the amount based on how much heat you like.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste.
• Fresh Parsley – For garnish, adding a touch of brightness and color.
• Lemon (optional) – A squeeze of lemon right before serving can really brighten up the flavors and cut through the richness.

Cooking Instructions

This soup is relatively simple to make, but there are a few key steps to get that deep, layered flavor that everyone will love.

1. Brown The Sausage

   • In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground Italian sausage.
   • Break up the sausage into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
   • Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside. Leave any drippings in the pot, as this adds tons of flavor.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery.
   • Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften and the onions become translucent.
   • Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.

3. Add The Tomatoes And Spices

   • Stir in the diced tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Let this cook together for about 3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices.
   • Add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Simmer The Soup

   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Once it’s boiling, add the lentils and stir everything together.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Finish The Soup

   • When the lentils are cooked, return the browned sausage to the pot and stir it in.
   • Let the soup cook for another 5 minutes so the sausage can warm through.
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper if needed.

6. Garnish And Serve

   • Before serving, remove the bay leaves and discard them.
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and a burst of freshness.
   • Optionally, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top for a zesty finish.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe has a purpose. Here’s a closer look at the key components:

• Italian Sausage: This is the star of the soup, providing both flavor and heat. The fattiness from the sausage enriches the broth and creates a satisfying base.
• Lentils: Unlike many other beans, lentils don’t require soaking, making them super convenient. They’re also packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron, making them a healthy addition.
• Tomatoes: These add both acidity and sweetness. The tomatoes in this soup provide a nice contrast to the rich sausage, balancing the flavors.
• Spices: The crushed red pepper flakes and bay leaves give the soup its depth. The heat from the pepper flakes builds slowly, making the soup flavorful but not overwhelmingly spicy.

Expert Tips

• Soften the Spices: If you want a milder flavor profile, you can reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, you can use sweet Italian sausage for a less spicy version.
• For More Depth: Add a splash of red wine while sautéing the vegetables to deglaze the pot. The wine adds richness and complexity to the broth.
• Control the Texture: If you like your soup on the thicker side, you can use an immersion blender for a few seconds to puree a portion of the soup, creating a creamy base while still leaving chunks of sausage and lentils.
• Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes well. After it cools, store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with a meat-free alternative, such as lentils or mushrooms. You can use veggie broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.
• Spicy Options: Increase the heat by adding extra chili peppers or even a bit of hot sauce if you like your soup extra spicy.
• Different Lentils: While green lentils work best here, you can experiment with other varieties like brown lentils or red lentils for slightly different textures.
• Add Greens: Add spinach, kale, or Swiss chard toward the end of cooking for a nutritional boost and some extra color.

Final Words

Carrabba’s Spicy Sausage Lentil Soup is one of those meals that’s not only satisfying but also versatile. It can be made to suit a variety of dietary preferences, and it’s full of flavor that’s hard to match. Whether you’re making it on a cold night to warm up or preparing a dish that’ll impress your guests, this soup is sure to do the trick.

It’s the type of recipe you’ll keep coming back to, adjusting to your tastes, experimenting with different spices, and maybe even adding your own special touch. But no matter how you tweak it, the comforting warmth and rich flavors will always shine through.