Sausage Lentil Soup

There is nothing better on a cold winter day than a piping hot bowl of soup. Not only does it nourish your body but it warm your soul as well. Soup is a favorite in this household and whether be a nice chicken noodle to sooth an ailing body or a chili to tingle the senses, we could eat soup almost every night and be happy. I came across a recipe for Sausage Lentil Soup and in my true fashion I changed it up and added to it. Just can't resist making a recipe my own. It was definitely a winner the night I fixed it and for repeats several more times this week. I added a nice salad and hot rolls and made a feast for everyone. Enjoy!

Sausage Lentil Soup

• 1 pound sliced polish sausage
• 1 cup thinly sliced deli ham cut into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium carrots, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 6 - 8 cups chicken stock unsalted
• One 16-oz. can diced tomatoes no salt added
• 1 lb lentils
• Several fresh spinach leaves, cut into small pieces 
• Parmesan cheese grated to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove sausage and place on a platter. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of drippings from pan. Reheat drippings and add ham, onion, green pepper, carrot and spices to the saucepan. Add chicken stock, tomatoes, lentils and sliced sausage. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer over low heat for 2 hours. As soup cooks, skim off fat that rises to the top. After 2 hours turn off heat and discard bay leaf. Add salt, pepper and spinach let stand for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.Top with Parmesan cheese.