Sausage Lentil Soup

I really wish mother nature would make up her mind. This hint of spring here and there, but then back to winter is so annoying. I am so over winter and ready for spring. The only benefit of these colds days we are still having means I can try out another soup. I guess soup season is not quite over yet.

I do not think I have ever used lentils before. In fact, I do not think I have ever eaten lentils before. I had no expectations as to what they would taste like, but I was willing to try them in the soup. Turns out, they make for a delicious and filling soup.

Sausage Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dry green lentils
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 1/2 cups diced celery, about 4 stalks
• 1 1/2 cups diced carrots, about 2-3 large
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic, about 2 large cloves
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 6-9 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2-14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Place the lentils into a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Allow them to sit for 15 minutes and then drain.
2. Meanwhile, in a large pot, over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add in the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. With a slotted spoon, remove the sausage and set aside.
3. To the pot, add in the onions, celery, carrots, garlic and all of the seasonings. Cook, stirring often for 15 minutes.
4. Pour in 6 cups chicken broth, canned tomatoes, drained lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until the lentils are cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally.
5. While the soup is simmering, add in more chicken broth as needed to get your desired consistency.
6. Top each serving with some parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 442
Total Fat		24g
Saturated Fat		7.5g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.2g
Monounsaturated Fat		4.5g
Cholesterol		46.7mg
Sodium		1515.8mg
Total Carbohydrates		35.9g
Dietary Fiber		7.9g
Sugars		6.2g
Protein		25.1g
Calcium		34.2%
Iron		87.6%
Potassium		324mg
Vitamin A		93.6%
Vitamin C		16.2%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from My Baking Addiction.