I’ve been thinking for some time now about the power of words, how some can create joy or serenity and others make one feel defensive or uncomfortable, often unbeknownst to the speaker. Often it’s the specific words we choose that can change the tenor and tone of a conversation in an instant. It’s like the word “interesting.” Let’s say you meet someone new. That person can be “interesting.” Or, he or she can be “IIIINNNNN-ter-EST-ing.” Two entirely different connotations for the same word.
I imagine we all remember certain words that were said to each of us that changed how we viewed ourselves or possibly even changed important decisions we made. It makes me wonder about the words each of us has used, not realizing their terrible or glorious power. I try to use my words (perhaps too) carefully, possibly in memory of certain words said to me, and the meanings I may have inferred that were not meant. So, how can we be sure of our own words in our daily lives? I think by starting with the smallest and most basic of things – food – of course.
For example, over the years, I’ve found it is practically impossible for my family to think of soup as a meal. Chili? Yes. Beef stew? Bring it on. Lentil soup? You’re kidding, that’s not dinner! I really think it’s just the word “soup”. In my house, that word apparently means “something in a bowl that goes with a sandwich or a salad.” So, when I told them this Smoky Lentil Soup with Sausage was “Smoky Lentil Stew with Sausage”, they were all in. Simple word change, a different connotation. The result? Mutiny avoided.
Inspired by one of my most popular recipes, this Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup (“Stew”), I wanted to make an entirely different soup, but one just as easy and just as yummy. I felt like I should go to the green lentil side, and make a smoky-flavored soup. Green lentils have a decidedly different texture and “bite” that red lentils often don’t possess, due to their thicker skin. Like all lentils, they are filled with protein, fiber and plentiful nutrients! So much quicker to cook than beans but offering similar benefits. So, by adding some chicken sausage and a healthy supply of veggies, this Smoky Lentil Soup was born!
And, it is delicious! Sweet sausage, savory and hearty lentils, a generous supply of vegetables in a smoky broth, all along with my favorite warming spices. Along with a crusty loaf of bread, this soup, which eats like a stew, makes a great dinner for a crowd, or a family dinner plus several days of leftovers for lunch. And, it gets tastier every day as the flavors continue to develop and meld.
If you want to learn more about lentils, this article from Bon Apetit describes all of the different types and how quick and easy they are to use. So call it what you want – Smoky Lentil Soup or Smoky Lentil Stew – either way, one of the most delicious, hearty and healthy dishes that is this easy to prepare. Simple words for a simply fantastic meal. Enjoy!
Smoky Lentil Stew with Sausage and Vegetables
A hearty and satisfying soup – sweet and savory sausage, smoky lentils, and tender vegetables, along with warming spices. This easy-to-make soup recipe is healthy and delicious!
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 40-60 min
- Total Time: 60-80 min
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
Ingredients
Protein Ingredients
- 1 lb. mild bulk sausage (I used chicken sausage), or with casing removed
- 1 lb. Dry green lentils
- 2 T olive oil
Vegetables
- 2 Celery stalks, chopped into 1/2” cubes
- 1 Medium to Large onion, any color, chopped, 1/2” cubes
- 3 Large Carrots, peeled and chopped into 1/2” cubes
- 1 Sweet Pepper (red, yellow or orange), chopped into 1/2” pieces
- 8 oz. canned Diced tomatoes (see Note 1)
Spices and Flavorings
- 6 c broth or stock (any type)
- 2 t Ground Cumin
- 1 t Smoked Paprika
- 1 t Ground Coriander
- 1 t Turmeric
- 1/2 t Crushed Red Pepper Flake
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 t Liquid Smoke (optional)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
Brown the Sausage
- In a large, heavy pot, over medium-high heat, place 1 T olive oil. When it begins to shimmer, add the sausage, and brown, breaking it up into smaller and smaller pieces as you go. Once it is brown, remove to a separate dish.
- Remove any excess fat from the pan, keeping 1-2 T for the vegetables.
Cook the vegetables
- If you used lean sausage, like chicken or turkey sausage, you may need to add a 1-2 T oil, for a total of 2 -3 T in the pot. Add the chopped celery, onion, carrots, and peppers. Cook for 7-8 minutes, until onions begin to appear translucent.
- To the vegetables, add the browned sausage, tomatoes, dry lentils, spices, liquid smoke (if using) and most of the stock.
- Season with 1 t salt and 1/2 t ground black pepper.
Simmer the soup
- Simmer soup 40-60 minutes. Add more stock/broth to adjust thickness as desired, or add water if you’ve used all of your stock.
- Be sure to taste and add salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitutes for canned, diced tomatoes include: 8 oz. tomato sauce, or 2 c cherry tomatoes, diced.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 recipe
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Thanks so much, Deepika! Words are so important aren’t they? Each has its own connotation and its own definition, which are often two different things. Thanks for visiting!
This is such a lovely cozy meal Laura!! Hearty and so filling! I understand your spin on words ;). I love to eat lentils and this recipe is a great way to incorporate them!
That’s a really interesting point about words and how a slight change can make a big difference. It’s also the reason why texts and emails are so very often misunderstood. But I love the idea you had about changing soup to stew to get your family on board! I must admit that this soup/stew sounds amazing! The lentils in there just look cool, and I am a huge sucker for all things smoky. So I’m thinking this one might need to happen in our house. I’m just imagining how good your kitchen must have smelled with this one simmering away…
You are so right, David! Emails and texts are ways I do not like to communicate, for that very reason! And totally agree on the smoky flavor, it really makes everything in the stew (soup!) sing! Thanks for visiting!
Wow, your soup would be so perfect today! It’s chilly. I love using liquid smoke too!
Thanks, Tonia! For some reason, I often forget about Liquid Smoke. It really adds a lot with just a few drops, doesn’t it? thanks for visiting!
Perfect timing, dear. It’s snowing like crazy over here, I can hear snowplows cleaning 7/24 so this is just perfect meal 🙂 for the season ! Thank you !
Laura I am in love with the flavors of this soup. Also I never heard about liquid smoke before and it sounds superb. I am very keen to try this out. I love smoky flavor but never tried it in my kitchen.
Really? You family don’t normally consider soup to be a meal? IIIINNNNN-ter-EST-ing 😉 A bowl of soup or even a salad (Certainly not just chopped lettuce) is a perfectly satisfying meal to us. But I won’t mind having a bowl of this delicious comfort lentil soup. It looks fantastic, and the pictures are beautiful!
Ha! I agree with you, they are crazy (or IIINNN-ter-EST-ing). But you know, she who cooks gets to decide what’s for dinner, so they will have soup! thanks for visiting and for your kind words!
I’m happy to hear you think carefully before you speak. My mouth, on the other hand, can be a leaky faucet! I never mean my words to hold any malice, but my inappropriateness often gets me…. looks, if you know what I mean!
The winter in the PNW has been mild and dry but I hear it may snow on Sunday and the temps will plummet by early next week. THIS recipe looks and sounds like the perfect accompaniment to a chilly winter’s night!
Pinning!
I actually think that although I think before speaking, it is sometimes to my detriment – I’ve often been known as “the quiet one”, not because I don’t have anything to say (although that may be the perception), but because by time I’ve considered how to say it, the moment has passed. So many times, I’d prefer to be the loquacious one(!). BTW, I love people who speak often and freely, sometimes I wish I could be that way. Thanks for the pin, Christina!
oooh love how hearty this sounds! lentils can be a bit blah on their own, so i love that you added sausage here (:
Thanks, Heather! Yes, the sausage does add a lot of nice flavor. You could use any type really, even though I used chicken, a nice pork sausage would work just as well, and perhaps add even more flavor. Thanks so much for visiting!
OH WOW Laura I love this recipe. It looks so wholesome, hearty and a perfect dinner for a cold evening. These pictures are making me soooo hungry, it looks really good. I would absolutely love to try out this recipe too 🙂
Thanks, Ashika – It is indeed all of those things, and, although the liquid smoke is “optional”, it is the key to the lovely smokiness of the soup (or stew)! I hope you get the chance to try it! Thanks for visiting!