Sausage Lentil Soup

Spicy or mild Italian sausage adds great flavor and nutrition to this hearty lentil soup.

Recipe Ingredients:

4 to 6 links hot or mild Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, chopped in small bits
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 (14.5-ounce) cans chicken broth, fat free, low sodium preferred
8 ounces lentils, rinsed
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried parsley leaves
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cooking Directions:

1. Sauté sausage, onion, garlic, and carrots in oil until sausage starts to brown. Do not drain.
2. Add chicken broth, lentils and all seasonings as desired. Bring to a soft boil, reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours or more, adding more water if broth becomes too thick.
3. Serve with bread and butter.

Makes 6 servings.