Lentils

Rustic-Rich Vegetable and Sausage Soup Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

A short story about soup
Soup is a classic dish loved by many cultures around the world. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, when people began cooking simple ingredients in a liquid, thus creating not only a dish but also a way to make the most of every available resource. This rustic soup made with vegetables and sausages is an easy recipe to make, perfect for chilly days or to bring a touch of comfort at any time of the year.

Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes
- 1 large tomato
- 1 carrot
- 150 g lentils (preferably green or yellow)
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 piece of blood sausage (morcilla)
- 1 piece of chorizo
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- 3 tablespoons oil (olive or sunflower)
- Water (enough to cover the ingredients)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling the potatoes. Use a sharp knife to remove the skin, then wash them under cold running water. Cut them into large cubes for even cooking.

The green bell pepper should be cut in half. Remove the seeds and stem, then wash it again to eliminate any residue. Cut it into slices or cubes.

Peel and wash the garlic, then crush it slightly with the knife blade to release the flavors.

Peel the carrot, wash it, and cut it into thin rounds or small cubes, according to preference.

The tomato should not be cut; wash it well and leave it whole to add later to the soup.

The blood sausage and chorizo are cut into rounds, being careful not to make them too thin to maintain consistency during cooking.

2. Cooking the soup
In a 5-liter pot, add all the prepared ingredients: potatoes, carrot, bell pepper, garlic, blood sausage, and chorizo. Add the washed and drained lentils, then pour in enough water to cover all the ingredients well.

Place the pot over medium heat and wait until the water reaches a boil. Here, it is important to skim off the foam that forms on the surface with a spoon to achieve a clearer and more appetizing soup.

3. Seasoning and finishing
Once the soup is boiling, add the oil, paprika, and salt to taste. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

After this time, remove the bell pepper, tomato, and onion (if you chose to add it) from the pot. Place them in a blender and blend well until you achieve a smooth puree. Add this puree back into the pot with the soup.

4. Final phase
Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes for the flavors to blend perfectly. Make sure the taste is balanced by adding more salt or paprika if necessary.

5. Serving
The soup is served hot, accompanied by a fresh salad, perhaps even a cabbage salad or a simple green salad with tomatoes. A slice of fresh bread on the side will perfectly complete the meal.

Useful tips
- You can adapt the recipe to your preferences by replacing the sausages with other types of meat or even with vegetarian options for a vegetarian soup.
- If you desire a more intense flavor, add spices like black pepper or a splash of hot pepper sauce.
- Lentils are not only an excellent source of protein but also rich in fiber, making them an essential nutritious ingredient in this soup.
- The soup keeps well in the refrigerator, and the flavor gets even better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are an excellent option, but the cooking time may vary. Make sure to add them to the pot a few minutes earlier.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add chili sauce or red pepper flakes during cooking, adjusting to your desired level of spiciness.

3. What other recipes can I combine with this soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with a cheese and cold cuts platter, as well as with a serving of rice or polenta.

Nutritional details
A serving of soup has approximately 300 calories, being rich in vitamins and minerals due to the vegetables used. Lentils provide an excellent source of plant protein, while the sausages add a touch of flavor and consistency.

This rustic soup is not just a simple recipe but a way to bring the family to the table, to share moments of joy, and to savor the authentic flavors of the ingredients. Feel free to personalize your recipe and put your stamp on this classic dish!

 Ingredients: 4 potatoes, 1 tomato, 1 carrot, 150 g lentils, 1 green pepper, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 piece of blood sausage (morcilla), 1 piece of chorizo, 2 bay leaves, paprika, salt, a little oil (3 tablespoons)