Today was in the 50's, a little windy, and a perfect day for a pot of soup! This is one of my favorites, because the flavors go so good together.
There's something so comforting about a big pot of soup simmering on the stove on a cold day! I have to admit, I'm all about modern conveniences ONLY if the quality is good, and If your lucky enough to have a Trader Joes in your neighborhood and haven't tried their box stocks please do! They make life so much easier! I know you can also pick these up in any local store now, these boxed stocks are everywhere. I just like Trader Joes cause their prices are so good! Their pre-cooked lentils are fantastic too, already cooked, you just cut open the bag and pour them in. How easy is that!!! So you can whip up a great meal in no time, that tastes like its been simmering all day!!
Heres what you'll need
1 carrot diced
2 stalks of celery diced
1 onion chopped
1 lb. of Italian sausage, hot or mild ( I used Turkey Italian sausage it works great!)
2 crushed garlic cloves
1 14.5oz. can of fire roasted tomato's
1t. ground fennel
1t.thyme
1t. oregano
S&P to taste along with some red pepper flakes
1 box or 2 cups of dry lentils ( I use more)
6 to 8 cups of chicken stock ( 2 boxes)
In a nice pot brown your sausage and drain, with the Turkey I didn't have to. Then put some olive oil in the bottom and saute veggies and garlic. Open up the stock, pour that in, along with all the spices and lentils, stir it up, semi cover it and let it cook for about 1/2 hour. It will be longer if you are using dry lentils.
When it's done I take an immersion blender to one side of the pot to thicken it up a little.
I usually double the recipe because it freezes good
Top it off with shaved Parm and a drizzle of olive oil!
Buon Appetito!!
