Lentil Soup with Andouille Sausage

Cold weather is soup time. If you're tired of boring chicken soup or vegetable soup, try this quick, easy recipe. It's hearty and delicious.


                                               Lentil Soup with Andouille Sausage

1# green lentils
1/4 cup olive oil
3 white onions, diced
3 cloves garlic, smashed
5-6 celery stalks, diced
5-6 carrots, diced
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried cumin
2 tsps. Kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 qts. chicken stock
1# Andouille sausage, sliced.
3-4 shakes of Louisiana Hot Sauce. (Optional)

In a bowl, pour boiling water over lentils. Let stand 15 minutes, then drain.
In a stock pot or large heavy pot, add olive oil to pan over medium heat. Add garlic, onions, salt, pepper, cumin, and thyme. Saute 15 minutes until onions are translucent. Add carrots, celery and tomato paste. Saute 10 more minutes. Add stock, lentils and sausage. Simmer for 1 hour on low heat. Check for seasoning. More salt may be necessary depending on type of stock.

Add hot sauce for more heat. Serve with shredded Parmesan or Asiago cheese.