Indulge in Carrabba’s Savory Sausage and Lentil Soup Without the Guilt

Craving a steaming bowl of hearty soup on a chilly day? Look no further than Carrabba’s Italian Grill’s signature Sausage and Lentil Soup. This robustly flavored soup features Italian sausage simmered with tomatoes, vegetables and protein-packed lentils. It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out.

If you love sausage and lentil soup but are watching your calorie intake, you may be wondering – how many calories are actually in a cup of Carrabba’s Sausage and Lentil Soup? Read on to get the nutrition facts and tips for enjoying this filling soup while maintaining your healthy eating goals.

Nutrition Facts for Carrabba’s Sausage and Lentil Soup

Here are the nutrition facts for a one cup serving of Carrabba’s Sausage and Lentil Soup

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 1320mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 8g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 12g

As you can see, a single cup of this soup packs quite a punch at 220 calories. The majority of the calories come from the Italian sausage and olive oil used to build this soup’s deep, savory flavor.

11g of fat per cup is on the higher side, especially the saturated fat content. The sodium is also pretty high at 55% of your recommended daily value.

However, the soup does provide some nutritional benefits. It contains 8g of fiber (32% DV) which is excellent. The 12g of protein is decently high for a soup, keeping you full and satisfied.

Tips for Lightening Up Carrabba’s Sausage and Lentil Soup

While Carrabba’s Sausage and Lentil Soup is higher in calories, fat, and sodium than many other soup options, there are easy ways to lighten it up:

• Request low-sodium or unsalted broth: This cuts a significant amount of sodium right off the bat.

• Skip the bread service: The complimentary bread served before your meal can add unnecessary carbs and calories.

• Choose a small cup instead of a bowl: Enjoy a smaller portion to keep calories in check.

• Load up on veggies: Pack your cup with tomato, spinach, onion, bell peppers and other veggies to add nutrition and fill you up.

• Go easy on oil-based toppings: Minimize cheeses, sour cream, or creamy pesto drizzled on top which increases fat and calories.

• Balance with a salad: Order a light salad with vinegar dressing to balance the rich soup and add antioxidants.

• Split it as a starter: Turn this soup into an appetizer by splitting a cup with a friend before your healthy entrée.

• Substitute lentils for sausage: Ask if they can swap half the sausage for extra lentils to cut fat and boost nutrition.

• Save half for later: Take half your cup of soup home so you don’t overeat in one sitting. Enjoy the rest as a filling lunch the next day.

Health Benefits of Lentils

One of the nutrition superstars in Carrabba’s Sausage and Lentil Soup is the lentils. These tiny legumes provide some impressive health benefits:

• High in Plant-Based Protein – One cup of lentils contains about 18g of protein, making them an excellent meatless protein source.

• High in Fiber – Lentils contain 16g of fiber per cooked cup, supporting digestion and heart health.

• Low Glycemic Index – Lentils have a slow, steady impact on blood sugar due to their high fiber and protein content.

• Rich in Key Nutrients – Lentils provide high amounts of B vitamins, iron, potassium, zinc and antioxidants.

• Help Lower Cholesterol – Soluble fiber in lentils can help remove excess cholesterol from the body.

• Promote Heart Health – The nutrients, fiber and plant protein in lentils support a healthy cardiovascular system.

• Aid Weight Loss – The combination of protein and fiber makes lentils very filling so you eat less overall.

Tips for Adding More Lentils to Your Diet

To reap the benefits of lentils, aim to eat them more often by:

• Making lentil soups and chilis using canned or dry lentils
• Adding cooked lentils to salads, rice dishes, pasta sauce, or casseroles
• Mixing lentils into burgers, meatballs or meatloaf
• Snacking on roasted spiced lentils
• Spreading lentil dip or hummus on sandwiches or vegetables
• Swapping half the ground meat in recipes for cooked lentils

Carrabba’s Sausage and Lentil Soup lets you enjoy the nutritious benefits of lentils in a uniquely delicious way. While higher in sodium, fat and calories than some soups, there are easy ways to adjust this soup to fit into a healthy diet. Savor the rich Italian sausage flavor blended with tomato, herbs and tender lentils without going overboard on portion size. Skip the bread basket, load your cup with extra veggies, and balance it with a light salad for a satisfying meal under 500 calories.

So next time you’re craving Carrabba’s iconic Sausage and Lentil Soup, go ahead and indulge – just be mindful of your portion size. Split it with a friend or take half home. You can feel good about the nutrition lentils provide in this hearty, comforting soup.