Carrabba’s Italian Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe

When the cold weather rolls in, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup to warm you up from the inside out. Carrabba’s Italian Sausage Lentil Soup has become a beloved dish for many, with its rich flavors and hearty textures making it a go-to favorite on chilly evenings. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, you may have already fallen in love with this classic recipe. But what if you could recreate this tasty dish in your own kitchen? Well, you’re in luck! In this guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know to make Carrabba’s Italian Sausage Lentil Soup right at home, and we’ll sprinkle in some tips and variations to elevate the flavor profile even further. Let’s dive in!

Carrabba’s Italian Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe

This recipe captures the essence of Carrabba’s original soup: a blend of savory Italian sausage, hearty lentils, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies your hunger and warms your soul, without being overly heavy. And what’s great about it? It’s packed with nutrients, from the protein-rich sausage to the fiber-packed lentils and the vibrant veggies. Best of all, it’s relatively easy to make with ingredients you can find at most grocery stores.

Let’s take a look at the breakdown of the ingredients and the step-by-step process to make this delicious soup.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make Carrabba’s Italian Sausage Lentil Soup at home. These ingredients come together to create a satisfying, flavorful base for the soup:

• Italian Sausage (1 pound): This is the heart of the soup. Choose spicy or mild, depending on your preference. It provides the savory richness and essential flavor that ties everything together.
• Lentils (1 cup): Lentils are the star in terms of texture and nutrition. They provide a hearty bite and are a great source of fiber and protein.
• Carrots (2 medium, diced): Sweet, earthy carrots help balance out the richness of the sausage. Their texture adds another layer of satisfaction to the soup.
• Celery (2 stalks, diced): Celery adds a nice crunch and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that contrasts well with the sausage.
• Onion (1 large, chopped): Onions bring a sweetness when sautéed, which complements the savory notes of the sausage.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the soup with a robust flavor that’s both aromatic and comforting.
• Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Tomatoes add acidity and a touch of sweetness, rounding out the flavor profile of the soup.
• Chicken Broth (4 cups): This serves as the soup’s base and provides depth and richness. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
• Bay Leaves (2): Bay leaves give the soup a subtle earthy and herbal undertone.
• Italian Seasoning (2 teaspoons): A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, this seasoning blend enhances the soup with authentic Italian flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional, 1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat to the soup, which can be adjusted based on your heat tolerance.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Simple but essential, these seasonings allow you to enhance the flavors in the soup.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the vegetables and sausage, olive oil brings a smooth, fruity base to the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Carrabba’s Italian Sausage Lentil Soup:

1. Brown The Sausage

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   • Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown it until it’s fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat behind.

2. Sauté The Veggies

   • In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.
   • Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally to release its aromatic oils.

3. Add Liquids And Seasonings

   • Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
   • Add the bay leaves, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together.

4. Simmer The Soup

   • Return the browned sausage to the pot, along with the lentils. Stir everything to combine.
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally and check seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.

5. Finish And Serve

   • Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaves.
   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve it hot with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. If desired, you can sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a crucial role in creating its signature taste and texture. Let’s break down the purpose of a few key components:

• Italian Sausage: The sausage not only adds flavor, but the fat it renders enhances the overall richness of the broth. Depending on whether you choose mild or spicy sausage, you can adjust the heat level to your liking.
• Lentils: These little powerhouses of nutrition are high in protein, fiber, and minerals like iron. They also absorb the flavors of the broth as they cook, giving the soup a hearty texture.
• Tomatoes: The acidity of tomatoes helps balance the richness of the sausage, while the natural sweetness adds depth to the soup. They also help thicken the broth slightly.
• Garlic and Herbs: These provide an aromatic backdrop for the entire dish. The garlic adds sharpness, while the herbs like basil and oregano bring out an Italian essence that complements the sausage perfectly.

Expert Tips

• Control the Heat: If you like your soup spicier, opt for hot Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes. For a milder version, stick with sweet or mild sausage and skip the red pepper flakes.
• Don’t Skip the Sautéing: Make sure to brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables until they’re softened before adding the liquid. This step is essential to build the rich base of the soup.
• Let It Rest: Soups often taste even better the next day. If you have time, let the soup cool to room temperature, refrigerate it overnight, and reheat before serving.
• Make It a Meal: Add some fresh greens, like spinach or kale, in the last few minutes of cooking for added color, flavor, and nutrition.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and substitute with plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option. You could also add some cannellini beans for extra protein.
• Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick. This would work especially well with spicy sausage.
• Creamy Version: For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half in the last few minutes of simmering. It’ll lend the soup a smooth, velvety finish.

Final Words

Carrabba’s Italian Sausage Lentil Soup is the kind of recipe that’s hard to resist. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comforting, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping for a cozy night in, this soup will hit the spot. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak according to your tastes. The next time you find yourself craving a bowl of something warm and delicious, why not give this homemade version of Carrabba’s classic a try?