It’ll Cure What Ails Ya Lentil, Sausage and Kale Soup

I am a firm believer in the power of food to heal. And when someone isn’t feeling well, the kitchen is the best pharmacy I know.

This soup is something I’ve been making for a few months for friends as well as myself whenever I need a little a little super food love in a pot.

It’ll Cure What Ails Ya Lentil, Sausage and Kale Soup

I package dried brown lentils
1 bay leaf
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 med-large onion, chopped
1 lb. Italian sausage, sliced into 1 inch pieces

Olive oil

5 cups water
4 cups beef broth

2-3 cups kale leaves, trimmed and chopped

Parmesan cheese

1.) Put one large pot and one skillet on the stove. In the skillet, heat a couple of teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat and cook sausage, onion, celery, garlic and carrots until sausage is browned and vegetables are soft but not mushy, about 7-8 minutes.

2.) Meanwhile, in stock pot, heat another teaspoon of olive oil and gently toast the lentils with a bay leaf for a couple of minutes. Add the water and beef broth and bring to a boil.

3.) When cooked, add the sausage mixture with a slotted spoon to the soup. Bring to a boil, and then turn down to a simmer for 25-30 minutes.

4.) Take a taste. If it needs more liquid, add a cup more water and a bouillon cube. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the kale. Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

5.) Cancel doctor’s appointment.

©2013 Tracey Henry