Lentil and sausage soup is a great filling protein boost!  I love mine extra spicy so feel free to modify the chili content it will not affect the flavor.

1 lb spicy Italian sausage

1 larget onion

4 diced garlic cloves

4 fresh jalapeños

2 carrots

1 stalk of celery

1 cup of concentrated chicken stock

2 cans of diced tomatoes

2-3 cups of lentils (depending how you like it)

salt

black pepper

cayenne pepper

red pepper flakes

thyme

oregano

basil

Take your sausage out of the casing and brown over medium high heat.  You can also buy sausage with no casing from your local butcher. Dice all of your vegetables and add them to the pot to sauté.  Next add your chicken stock and lentils then fill your pot with water until the lentils are submerged completely.  Through out the cooking process you may need to add more water as it boils down.  Bring to a boil then season with additional ingredients to your tastes.

Bon Appetite from Lisa’s Lane