This soup is extra delicious and can be made in big or small batches. Try it with a side of roasted brussel sprouts!
Ready
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped (optional)
1 ¼ cups lentils (preferably French green)
6 cups chicken or veg stock (can use water, too)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 oz smoked sausage (chicken or pork)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or to taste
Set
1 large soup pot
1 non-stick skillet
Go!
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 4-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté onion, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 6 minutes.
Add carrots and celery and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add lentils, stock, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to moderate and cook, covered, until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
While lentils are cooking, heat remaining tablespoon oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown sausage on all sides, about 5 minutes.
Cool sausage slightly on a cutting board, then cut into ½-inch-thick pieces.