Lentil and Italian Sausage Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 finely chopped carrot
• 8 cups water
• 3-1/2 cups (2 cans) chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes in juice
• 1 tablespoon powdered garlic
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup low sodium Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

1. Brown sausage in a large pot over medium heat. A dash of olive oil may be required if the sausage is lean. Add onion, celery, garlic and carrot and sauté until vegetables are tender and translucent. Stir in water, chicken broth, lentils and tomatoes. When well mixed, add the rest of the seasonings. Taste before adding salt.
2. Turn up the heat and bring it to a boil. Then cover and turn the heat to low and allow to simmer for 3 hours until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.