Fall Weather Arrives

Actually fall arrived here Wednesday and announced its presence with 24 hours of rain, almost 3 inches in our rain gauge. There has been serious flooding in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Today it the rain has stopped but it is cooler and windy. Definitely time for soup!!!

Here's recipes that is easy to make and bursting with healthy lentils and savory fall vegetables. I've also used chopped ham instead of the sausage. Add a little sherry and you'll feel warm and toasty for sure.

Lentil Sausage Soup

Serves 6 to 8

2 tbsp. olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
1 leek, cleaned and chopped
1 ½ cups lentils
2 tbsp. tomato paste
2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
½ tsp. kosher salt
½ tsp. pepper
5 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 to 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
½ lb. diced kielbasa or smoked sausage
Sherry

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven and add the onion, celery, carrots and leek. Cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, salt, pepper, chicken broth and water. Bring mixture to a boil. Cover partially, reduce heat to low and simmer 30 to 40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

Add the kielbasa and simmer 10 minutes. Season to taste. Stir in vinegar. Adjust seasoning.

Add sherry to the soup when serving, if desired.