Kid-Approved Sausage Lentil Soup

Yep, that’s right, I made more soup. It’s gonna be a cold week here in North Carolina, so it was perfect timing (for a change). My friend Cindy gave me this recipe a couple years ago and what’s great about it is the flavor. It’s not too spicy or exotic for kids. My daughter (and husband) eat it like it’s going out of style. I mean it, I never seen them eating something so fast. They love it. Instead of kielbasa, I use ground breakfast sausage and throw in some spinach. Check it out and let me know what your kids think.

Sausage Lentil Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery with leaves, chopped
• 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
• 2 quarts chicken broth
• 1 (15 ounce) jar crushed tomatoes
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 pound dry lentils, rinsed
• 2 bay leaves
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups spinach (optional)

Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Stir in the onion, carrots, and celery; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add browned ground sausage, chicken broth, tomatoes, garlic, lentils, and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add in spinach right before serving.