Lentil Soup

Original Recipe HERE

Ingredients

1 cup dry lentils

1 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tablespoon olive oil

4 cups beef broth [can substitute chicken or vegetable]

15 ounce can diced tomatoes

1 Tablespoon worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon cumin

1 bay leaf

1/2 cup chopped carrots

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 pound fully-cooked smoked sausage links, sliced [can substitute chopped ham]

1 to 2 cups ditalini or other small pasta [optional]

Directions

(1) Rinse lentils; set aside.

(2) Add olive oil to medium pot.  Cook onion and garlic over medium heat until tender but not brown.
(3) Add lentils, broth, undrained tomatoes, worcestershire sauce, thyme/oregano, pepper, cumin, and bay leaf to pot. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

(4) Add carrot and celery. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer for 15-20 mins or until lentils and veggies are tender.

(6) Prepare pasta if using.

(7) Stir meat into soup; heat through. Discard bay leaf before serving.

Notes: I didn't like the particular sausage I used and would use ham - or no meat - next time.

Kid Participation: None.