Once the weather turns cooler here in Minnesota, I start thinking about making more soups for dinner! Warm and comforting, they just seem to hit the spot on a cold snowy day. One of my kids’ favorite soups is Hot Dog Soup or sausage and lentil soup. No, there aren’t really any hot dogs in this soup, but there are smoked turkey sausage and lentils.
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You’ll love this easy, healthy kid-friendly Hot Dog Soup recipe! Just don’t tell the kids it’s really sausage and lentil soup!
When I told my sister Hot Dog Soup was the next recipe I was going to share, she said you’ve been making that for decades! And she’s right, I’ve been making this lentil soup with hot dogs for what feels like forever and my kids still love it!
Too busy to make this right now? Pin for later to your favorite Pinterest Board!
Ingredients for Lentil soup with Hot Dogs
The ingredients for this warm and hearty lentil soup with hot dogs are fairly simple and blend well together making a rich tasting comforting meal.
Smoked Turkey Sausage – Any of your favorite smoked sausages will work but to keep this healthy I like to use smoked turkey sausage. If you’d like a little spice, try andouille sausage. You can also use ground Italian sausage if you like as well, but you will not be able to call it hot dog soup!
Vegetables – Yellow onions, celery, carrots, and garlic.
Chicken Broth – I love using bone broth in soups for the extra health benefits, but chicken broth works great too! Homemade or store bought, it’s entirely up to you!
Seasonings – Dried oregano and cumin are added. Plus salt and pepper to taste.
Dried Lentils – You can find dried lentils in your local grocery store near the dried beans. Please be sure to rinse your lentils before adding them to the soup.
Canned Tomatoes – No need to fret about the variety of diced canned tomatoes you have in your pantry – whether they are fire roasted, seasoned with celery and onion, or infused with garlic – they will all be suitable!
Fresh Kale – I love using fresh kale in soups. Not only is kale a powerhouse of nutrition, but it does not wilt as much and holds up so much better in soups than spinach. However, you’re welcome to use fresh spinach as a substitute.
Olive Oil – You will need a few tablespoons of olive oil to saute your vegetables in.
Cooking Hot Dog Soup
I promised this was not only kid-friendly but super easy. It’s a one-pot meal and I do love a one-pot meal around here since I’m also the Chief Dishwasher!
Grab your good soup pot. I like a nice dutch oven for my soups like this one here. Set it over medium-high heat. While it warms up, grab your veggies and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Add some olive oil to your soup pot and add the carrots, onions, and celery. Stir occasionally until the onion is softened. Meanwhile, slice your turkey sausage into rounds. I also prefer to cut my sausage rounds in half since I have younger children. Next, add the sausage and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in the chicken broth, water, lentils, and all seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes or until lentils and veggies are tender.
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Sausage Lentil Soup AKA Hot Dog Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion
- 1-2 celery ribs chopped
- 1 lb smoked turkey sausage
- 1-2 carrots
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 cup dried lentils
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup fresh kale chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Chop carrots, onion and celery.
- Add olive oil to the soup pot and then add the chopped carrots, onion, and celery. Cook and stir over medium high heat for about 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, chop sausage in rounds or half rounds. Then add to the soup pot and cook 2-3 minutes longer until the onion is tender.
- Stir in broth, lentils, water, oregano, cumin, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in tomatoes, Worchestershire sauce and kale.
- Cook until heated through and kale is tender.
- Serve with crusty rolls!
FAQs
How do I store leftover hot dog soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. As always please follow the guidance of the USDA for storing leftovers.
Should I use spinach or kale in my sausage and lentil soup?
I love kale in soups as it doesn’t wilt down as much as spinach does, so it has a heartier feel to it. Kale is also a super nutrient-dense green leafy vegetable!
Can I freeze Sausage and Lentil Soup?
Yes, you can freeze sausage and lentil soup in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 4 months.
What to serve with sausage and lentil soup?
I love to serve soups with warm crusty bread for dipping or a garden salad on the side!
Conclusion
Lentil soup with hot dogs is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor and nutrients, making it an ideal dish to warm up on a chilly day or serve as a comforting dinner after a long day at work. Plus, the addition of “hot dogs” adds an unexpected twist that elevates the soup to a whole new level of yumminess and makes it kid-friendly! So next time you’re in the mood for something hearty and satisfying, give this lentil soup recipe a try!
I hope you love this Hot Dog soup recipe! What kid doesn’t like hot dogs and soup? Just don’t mention the kale or that it’s not actually hot dogs! What’s your favorite soup recipe?
Looks yummy. Thanks for sharing
Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing!