Anyone who has ever thought that bean-based soups are dull should leave their misconceptions at the door! This soup -- called a "smiler" by my husband -- is bursting with flavor and is bound to keep you warm this winter.
- 2 T. olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 c. red lentils
- 2 c. diced potato
- 1 c. corn
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
- 2 quarts chicken stock
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 lb. smoked sausage, cut into 1/2" pieces
Cook the onion, carrot and garlic in the olive oil for 5 minutes or until soft and lightly browned. Add all remaining ingredients except the sausage and cook for 35-40 minutes or until lentils and potatoes are soft. Add the sausage pieces and simmer about 15-20 minutes more until you achieve the desired taste. If you want soup that's more appropriate for a first course, omit the sausages and add 4 pieces of crumbled bacon with the lentils.
- Yields: about 2 quarts of soup
- Preparation Time: about 1 hour
Related Articles