Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup – CopyKat Recipes

There’s something magical about walking into Carrabba’s Italian Grill on a chilly evening and being greeted by a steaming bowl of their famous Sausage Lentil Soup. This hearty, rustic soup has become a beloved favorite among restaurant-goers, combining the earthiness of lentils with the rich flavor of Italian sausage. Today, I’m sharing my perfected copycat version that brings that same restaurant magic right to your kitchen.

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Why Carrabbas Lentil Soup with Sausage is so good!

Sometimes, all you need for an incredible meal is hot soup and a hunk of crusty bread. Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup is simple to make, easy to store, inexpensive, and delicious.

It’s the perfect lunch to take to work or enjoy as a light supper at home during those colder months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No fancy techniques required
• Simple, everyday ingredients
• Budget-friendly yet restaurant-quality
• Perfect for meal prep and freezing
• Hearty enough for a complete meal
• Gets better with time

Recipe Ingredients

The ingredients for this sausage and lentil soup are:

• White onion – creates flavor foundation
• Carrot – adds natural sweetness and color
• Celery – provides an aromatic base
• Garlic – contributes essential Italian flavor
• Salt – enhances all flavors
• Butter or olive oil – for sautéing and richness
• Italian sausage – provides rich, meaty flavor and fennel notes
• Chicken broth – creates a flavorful soup base
• Italian seasoning – adds classic herb profile
• Canned diced tomatoes – contribute acidity and texture
• Brown lentils – offers protein and hearty texture

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

If you prefer, you can use bouillon cubes or Better Than Bouillon instead of chicken broth.

You can use bulk or sausage in the casing. If you go with sausage in the casing, cut into quarter-inch cubes before cooking. The type with a thick fennel flavor is the best one to get. Or you can make your own Italian sausage.

For a lighter version, try using Italian-style turkey sausage instead.

Spicy sausage lentil soup – you can use hot Italian sausage 

Vegetarians can substitute a vegetable broth and swap out the pork sausage for a plant-based alternative, like, Vejje’s Meat-Free Italian Sausage or Field Roast’s Vegetarian Grain Meat Sausages.

How to Make Lentil Soup With Sausage

Here are the steps for making this copycat Carrabba’s sausage lentil soup recipe:

1. Heat a heavy-bottom soup pot, Dutch oven, or large saucepan on the stove over medium heat.
2. While the pot warms up, cut the onions, carrots, and celery into small dice.
3. Put the butter or vegetable oil into the pot and add the diced vegetables.

4. Cook the vegetables, occasionally stirring until the onions turn transparent.
5. Dice the sausage into small pieces and add it to the pot.
6. Saute the sausage until browned.

7. Dump out any grease before stirring in the diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Let the tomatoes caramelize slightly.
8. While the tomatoes are cooking, rinse off the dry lentils and let them drain in a colander in the sink.
9. Pour in the chicken stock and allow the soup to boil.
10. Stir in the brown lentils and reduce the heat. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for about an hour. Stir the soup from time to time and add water as needed.
11. Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for about 10 minutes before serving.

You can garnish the soup with chopped fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, parsley, or thyme.

Carrabba’s Lentil Soup Recipe Variations

Who doesn’t like to come home to a nice bowl of warm soup? With a few changes, you can easily convert Sausage Selection

• Use thick fennel-flavored Italian sausage for authentic taste
• Spicy Italian sausage adds pleasant heat
• Turkey Italian sausage creates a lighter version
• Vegetarian sausage alternatives work well

Broth Options

• Homemade chicken stock adds richness
• Better Than Bouillon provides convenience
• Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version
• Add extra broth for the desired consistency

Texture Variations

• Leave as is for rustic texture
• Use immersion blender for creamier texture
• Blend half for semi-creamy result

How to Serve Sausage and Lentil Soup

Serve the soup in a small cup for the starter or a big bowl for the main course.

What Goes Well With This Dish?

This soup goes perfectly with a slice of good bread or breadsticks, a little grated parmesan cheese, and some lightly sauteed spinach or Swiss chard as a garnish.

How to Store Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup

Cool the soup thoroughly before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Cool the soup as quickly as possible by removing it from the pot and putting it in a metal mixing bowl. Float the mixing bowl in a larger bowl half full of ice water. Stir constantly.

Once cool, transfer the soup to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I Freeze Lentil Soup With Sausage?

Yes. You can freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for 3 to 4 months.

How Can I Reheat Lentil Soup?

It is best to reheat the soup on the stovetop, but you can also reheat it in the microwave.

To reheat on the stove:

1. Thaw the soup overnight in the fridge or use the quick defrost option in the microwave.
2. Pour the thawed soup into a pan and stir in some water or chicken stock if the soup is thick.
3. Slowly warm the soup on medium-low heat.

To reheat in the microwave:

1. Thaw the soup overnight in the fridge or use the quick defrost option in the microwave.
2. Pour the thawed soup into a microwave-safe bowl and stir in water or chicken stock if necessary.
3. Cover and microwave for a minute. Give the soup a stir and heat for another 30 seconds. Check the temperature of the soup and continue heating in 30-second increments until hot.

Love restaurant-style soups? Try these recipes!

More Italian Restaurant Copycat Recipes

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