Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup

By Thom7747

Carrabba's is my all-time favorite Italian Restaurant.  I always have a cup of their lentil soup.  It is really good.  This recipe gets close to that recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 1 small zucchini, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups dry lentils, rinsed
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme

Preparation

Step 1

Cook brown sausage; drain off fat.

In a large pot combine all ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover.

Simmer for about 1 hour or until lentils are tender.  Add water, if necessary, for desired consistency.

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, serve.