Instant Pot Copycat Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage
casings removed
- 1 large onion
diced
- 2 large carrots
diced
- 2 stalks celery
diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup dried green
rinsed and drained
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- 1
Sauté Sausage: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil, and when it's hot, add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove any excess fat if necessary.
- 2
Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- 3
Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes to enhance its flavor and reduce any raw taste.
- 4
Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, bay leaf, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- 5
Combine Lentils and Diced Tomatoes: Stir in the lentils and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Mix everything together.
- 6
Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring it covers all the ingredients. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- 7
Pressure Cook: Cancel the sauté function, secure the Instant Pot lid, and set it to pressure cook on high for 8-10 minutes. Ensure the steam release valve is sealed.
- 8
Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10-15 minutes. Carefully open the steam release valve afterward to release any remaining pressure.
- 9
Season and Serve: Open the Instant Pot lid, and remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well.
- 10
Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve it hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Instant Pot Copycat Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup
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Based on 4 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
If you've been yearning for that comforting, richly flavored Carrabba's Sausage Lentil Soup, but prefer to enjoy it in your own kitchen, this Instant Pot copycat recipe is your perfect answer. It captures the essence of the restaurant favorite, bringing warmth and incredible taste directly to your table.
This recipe works wonders by combining savory Italian sausage with hearty green lentils and a robust aromatic base of diced onion, carrots, and celery. The magic of the Instant Pot ensures that every ingredient melds beautifully, delivering a deep, satisfying flavor profile with minimal fuss.
Prepare for a bowl full of tender green lentils, perfectly crumbled Italian sausage, and soft, sweet vegetables bathed in a rich, herby broth. Each spoonful offers a comforting warmth, with the distinct notes of dried rosemary and thyme bringing that familiar, delicious taste home. It’s a hearty and deeply satisfying soup, perfect for a cozy evening that feels both homemade and restaurant-quality.
Customization & Serving Tips
While Italian sausage provides a fantastic flavor, feel free to use spicy or mild varieties to suit your preference. For a vegetarian option, you can swap the Italian sausage for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Don't have green lentils? While green are ideal for holding their shape, brown lentils could work too, though they might become softer. You could also stir in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added greens.
This heartwarming Instant Pot Sausage Lentil Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. It's an ideal dish for chilly evenings or a comforting family dinner.