Understanding Carrabba's Signature Sausage and Lentil Soup
Carrabba's Italian Grill has featured their sausage and lentil soup as a staple menu item since the chain's founding. This hearty soup combines the robust flavors of Italian sausage with earthy lentils, creating a satisfying dish that perfectly embodies the restaurant's commitment to "scratch-made" cuisine. Unlike many chain restaurant soups, Carrabba's version contains no cream or dairy, making it naturally gluten-free and suitable for various dietary preferences.
Key Characteristics of the Authentic Restaurant Version
The soup served at Carrabba's locations across the United States features several distinctive elements that set it apart from typical lentil soups. The base is a rich tomato broth enhanced with aromatic vegetables including onions, carrots, and celery. High-quality Italian sausage provides the primary protein source, while brown or green lentils offer hearty texture and nutritional benefits. The soup contains no pasta, rice, or potatoes, keeping it relatively light despite its satisfying nature.
What makes Carrabba's sausage and lentil soup particularly noteworthy is its balance of flavors—savory from the sausage, earthy from the lentils, and bright from the tomato base with subtle herb notes. The texture features tender but distinct lentils and crumbled sausage throughout the broth. Unlike many copycat recipes found online, the authentic version contains no visible garlic chunks, though garlic flavor is definitely present.
Nutritional Profile
According to Carrabba's published nutrition information, a standard serving (1 cup) of their sausage and lentil soup contains approximately:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 760mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 9g |
This nutritional profile makes it one of the lighter soup options on the Carrabba's menu, though sodium content is relatively high as is common with restaurant soups. The soup provides a good source of plant-based protein from the lentils combined with animal protein from the sausage.
Authentic-Tasting Copycat Recipe
While Carrabba's guards their exact recipe, this tested copycat version captures the essence of their popular sausage and lentil soup. This homemade version requires common ingredients and takes about 45 minutes to prepare.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Sweet Italian sausage | 1 pound, casings removed |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Carrots, diced | 2 medium |
| Celery, diced | 2 stalks |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 (28-ounce) can |
| Chicken or vegetable broth | 4 cups |
| Brown or green lentils, rinsed | 1 cup |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | For garnish |
Preparation Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon.
- Remove sausage from pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables soften (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add garlic, oregano, and basil. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return sausage to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, and lentils. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If soup is too thick, add additional broth or water.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Perfecting Your Carrabba's Style Sausage and Lentil Soup
Several key techniques will help you achieve the most authentic-tasting carrabba's italian grill lentil soup at home:
- Sausage selection matters: Use high-quality sweet Italian sausage with fennel seeds for the most authentic flavor profile. Some versions of carrabba's sausage and lentil soup recipe copycat suggest spicy sausage, but the restaurant version uses sweet.
- Lentil type is crucial: Brown or green lentils hold their shape better than red lentils, which is essential for matching the texture of the restaurant version.
- Tomato base balance: The ratio of tomatoes to broth should create a rich but not overly acidic broth. If your homemade carrabba's style sausage and lentil soup tastes too tomato-forward, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
- Simmering time: Overcooking will cause lentils to disintegrate. Check tenderness starting at 25 minutes for perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions
To authentically recreate the Carrabba's experience when serving your homemade sausage and lentil soup:
- Present in a warm bowl with a side of crusty Italian bread for dipping
- Add a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving
- Offer freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side (though not traditionally part of the restaurant version)
- Consider serving with a simple green salad for a complete meal
Seasonal Availability and Menu Status
Carrabba's sausage and lentil soup has been a permanent menu item at most locations for many years. Unlike seasonal soups that rotate periodically, this particular soup remains available year-round as one of the restaurant's signature starters. Some locations may temporarily remove it during menu updates, but customer demand typically ensures its quick return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carrabba's still serve sausage and lentil soup?
Yes, Carrabba's Italian Grill continues to serve their sausage and lentil soup as a permanent menu item at most locations. It has remained a popular starter option since the restaurant chain's founding, though availability may occasionally vary during limited-time menu updates.
Is Carrabba's sausage and lentil soup gluten-free?
Yes, Carrabba's sausage and lentil soup is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat products, pasta, or flour-based thickeners. However, those with severe gluten sensitivity should note that it's prepared in a kitchen where gluten-containing ingredients are used, so cross-contamination is possible.
What type of lentils does Carrabba's use in their soup?
Carrabba's uses either brown or green lentils in their sausage and lentil soup. These lentil varieties maintain their shape well during cooking, providing the distinctive texture that's characteristic of the soup. They do not use red lentils, which would break down completely and create a mushy consistency.
Can I make a vegetarian version of Carrabba's sausage and lentil soup?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting plant-based Italian sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavor profile will differ slightly since the sausage provides much of the characteristic taste, but the resulting soup will still be hearty and satisfying with the earthy lentils and aromatic vegetables.
How long does homemade Carrabba's-style sausage and lentil soup stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade Carrabba's-style sausage and lentil soup will stay fresh for 3-4 days. The flavors often improve after the first day as the ingredients meld together. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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