Lentil Soup with Spicey Italian Sausage and Greens

It has been very busy 9 months since I last posted. We have been on the move from Washington DC to Sicily to now, where we are in San Diego until we move "for reals". This hectic life on the move makes organization a bit of an issue, let alone blogging, therefore I have not been posting. I have been collecting some great recipes in our travels and taking notes whenever I could so that I will be able to share with you some great dishes.
On this cold and rainy day in San Diego I decided it was time for some good ole comfort food and invited an old dish that kept us warm during the cold winters when we lived in Germany. This Lentil Soup with Spicey Italian Sausage and a mix of Greens has everything you need to keep you warm and nutrients you need to fight off those awful winter colds and flus.


For the recipe:

1 pound Italian Sausage, we like spicey but Sweet would work as well
1 pound Green Lentils
6 cups homemade Chicken Stock
1 bunch of Turnip Greens, rinsed and chopped
1 bunch Mustard Greens, rinsed and chopped
2 TB Olive Oil
2 Carrots, chopped into a fine dice
2 Celery stalks, chopped into a fine dice
1 large Onion, also in a fine dice
1 large Shallot, finely diced
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1 inch piece of Parmesan Rind
2 Bay Leaves
1 Sprig of Thyme
Salt and Pepper

In a large pot over medium heat add the olive oil and brown the sausage. To that go in the carrots, celery, onion, shallot, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Sweat veggies with a pinch of salt and pepper till translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the lentils and coat with the oil, meat, and veggies. Cover with the chicken stock, add the parmesan rind and bring to a simmer. After about 20 mins add all the greens. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Be sure to add salt and pepper to taste. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve with a green salad.


Buon Appetito!