Lentil and Smoked Sausage soup

Recipe Categories : | All Soups | Main Recipe Index |

Serves : 8

Ingredients :

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil water
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 1 lb dried brown lentils, washed and drained
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped, or 1 tspn dried oregano
• 1 tbsp cracked black peppercorns
• 2 small bay leaves
• ½ lb smoked sausage; cut into small strips

Preparation and Cooking Instructions :

1. Heat the vegetable oil and water in a 5-qt. saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and sautéed until the onions are translucent, 4 to 5 mins. Add the chicken stock and lentils. Tie the oregano, peppercorns, and bay leaves in a small piece of cheesecloth and add to the stock and lentils. Bring to a boil.
3. Lower the heat and simmer for 30 mins. Stir the soup frequently while cooking to prevent sticking.
4. Remove the cheesecloth bundle and discard.
5. Remove 2 cups lentils from the saucepan and puree in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Return the puree to the saucepan with the soup.
6. Add the sausage strips and simmer an additional 5 mins. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
7. If desired, the soup may be held in a double boiler for up to one hour.