Sausage, Kale, & Lentil Soup

    Good Monday morning to you! I hope your weekend was a good one. We drove home on Saturday night, and are getting back to "normal" (ish) slowly but surely. 

    Coming home after being away for a while makes me want comfort, and soup always does it. I've been making this soup for a few years (even made a big batch with a friend to put in the freezer for after she had her baby), and it always hits the spot. 

Sausage, Kale, & Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• 2 Italian sausage, casings removed (this is where this recipe becomes gluten fee or not-if you need it to be g.f., be sure to find sausages that are wheat & gluten free, if not, regular italian sausages work just fine). I used Schneiders Country Naturals Hot Sicilian Countryside Sausages
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced 
  
• 1 can of lentils, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes (optional)
• 6 cups broth (any type you want. I used home-made chicken broth this time)
• 1 small bunch of kale, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: if you have thyme or rosemary, they really enhance this soup. Either 1 fresh sprig of either, or 1/2 tsp dried. 

Method:

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat, and cook (breaking up the big bits as it goes) until nicely coloured, about 5 minutes.

2. Add onion, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the drained lentils, can of tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil.

4. Add thyme or rosemary (if using). Reduce to a simmer, and leave for as long as you need (I usually make the soup in the late afternoon, and leave it on a low simmer until I'm ready for dinner). 

5. Once you are closer to dinner, turn the heat up slightly, and add the kale. Let this simmer rapidly for about 5 minutes (until kale wilts).                         

6. Turn heat off, season with salt and pepper and enjoy! 
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​    I hope this hearty, comforting soup becomes a favourite in your house!