Lentil Soup

Yes, all of my kids love this soup.  Even the youngest ones. 

Put some GF Tostitos in the bottom of the bowl for a crunchy surprise.

Ingredients:

• 1 large yellow or white onion chopped
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• 4 cups water
• 4 cups GF chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 cup dried lentils (washed and sorted)
• 2 chopped carrots
• 3 ribs celery
• 2 small red potatoes diced, or whatever you have on hand
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 1 t dried
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 T fresh basil or 2 t dried
• 1/4 t cayenne pepper
• 1/2 t salt
• 1/2 t pepper
• 1 t oregano
• 1/2 pound sausage (this is optional but makes it extra yummy.  We useBeelers)

Directions:

In a large soup pan, crumble and brown the sausage in 1 T olive oil.  Be sure to cook it all the way through.  Set aside on paper towels to drain.

Add a little more olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic until soft - about 3 minutes.

Add the liquid (you can use all stock and no water, but that flavor is a little overwhelming for my kids.  They prefer the stock/water combination).  

Next add all of the remaining ingredients except the reserved sausage - add the lentils, carrots, celery, potatoes, parsley, bay leaf, basil, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper and oregano. 

Bring to a boil then cover and simmer on low for 1 1/4 hours or more.  Add the sausage.  Check your seasonings and add more salt or pepper as desired. Cook another 30 minutes or so until lentils are done. 

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