CARRABBA'S SAUSAGE AND LENTIL SOUP

So I had to try this. I've never had Carrabbas' soup. But with all these simple and delicious ingredients, I had to try the recipe. Wow! This hearty soup will certainly become a regular for my dinner menu!
This recipe was given a 5 star rating! I must agree!

READY IN: 1hr 15mins, SERVES: 6-8

INGREDIENTS

1 lb Italian sausage (You can also use Italian turkey 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 -3 garlic cloves

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups dry lentils

black pepper

red pepper flakes

basil

oregano

parsley

thyme

DIRECTIONS 

Brown sausage; drain off fat. In a large pot combine all ingredients bring to boil.

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

I like to puree about 1 cup of the soup and add back to pot to give it a thicker consistency.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.

Recipe by Boos Mom

Foodie Fran's Note:

When the sausage has almost fully browned and leaving in the fat, add the vegetables and sauté for a few minutes. Stir in lentils, then add the rest of the ingredients.

I highly recommend pureeing the one cup of soup.