Lentil Soup Serves 6
Ingredients:
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 1 celery rib, finely chopped • 1 1/4 cups lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 pkg. Southwest Style Sausage, cut into 1/2 inch slices
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar.
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in 4-quart heavy pot over medium heat. When hot, cook onion, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 6 minutes.
2. Add carrots and celery, and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add lentils, water, salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium and cook, covered, until lentils are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
5. While soup is cooking, heat remaining tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Brown sausage for about 2-3 minutes. Cool slightly.
6. Add sausage to soup during last 10 minutes of cooking, along with the vinegar.