Swine & Sea — French Lentil Soup — French Creole Recipe

French Lentil Soup

Growing up, my mother's split pea soup was always a treat. But as I’ve become older, a classic brown lentil soup full of vegetables and andouille sausage has become high on the list. This hearty soup is made with heaps of lentils, carrots, celery, andouille and spices for good measure. It is a simple recipe that delivers big flavors, and has a creamy and chunky texture. Add this delicious staple to your weekday menu.

French lentil have a distinct peppery taste. Whether you are buying them online or in-store, make sure the package says “Puy lentils” and bears a red and yellow AOP seal on the package, which certifies they are truly Puy Lentils. If the bag doesn't note a “Puy Lentils” but just “French Lentils”, chances are the lentils weren’t grown in France but likely North America or Italy.

Cooked with
If you want this to taste like the version I’m writing about, start here. This is the backbone.
View Andouille Sausage
Andouille Sausage

Recipe

  • 2 Tbsp.

    olive oil

  • 1 lb.

    andouille sausage , sliced in 1/2" thick rounds

  • 1

    medium yellow onion , diced

  • 2

    garlic cloves , minced

  • 3

    medium carrots , peeled and diced

  • 3

    celery stalks , diced

  • 1 tsp.

    Kosher salt

  • 1 tsp.

    smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp.

    ground cumin

  • 1 tsp.

    fresh thyme

  • ½ tsp.

    freshly ground black pepper

  • 1

    28-ounce can diced tomatoes , undrained

  • 1 ½ cups

    French green lentils

  • 4 cups

    vegetable broth
    Step 1

  • Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

    • Step 2

  • Add the andouille and cook until the rounds are seared, approximately 5 minutes.

    • Step 3

  • Add the onion, stirring frequently until the onions become translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add the garlic and allow to cook for another minute.

    • Step 4

  • Add the carrots, celery, salt, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme and pepper, and cook for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

    • Step 5

  • Add the diced tomatoes, French green lentils and vegetable broth. Lower the heat to medium-low. Allow the soup to simmer covered until the lentil are tender, approximately 45 minutes.

    • Step 6

  • Transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Stir the puree back into the soup. The soup should be creamy witha bit of chunks. If it's too thin, use a little water to thin it out.

    • Step 7

  • Season with salt and pepper.