Turkey Sausage and Lentil Soup

Name: Turkey Sausage and Lentil Soup
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 12 servings (3-3/4 quarts).
Ingredients: 1 package (19-1/2 ounces) Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 1 medium carrot, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional; 2 cups dried brown lentils, rinsed; 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained; 2 cartons (32 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth; Fat-free plain Greek yogurt and minced fresh parsley, optional

This recipe was given to me by my son, Chris, and we have it several times during the winter months. —Kathy Mazur, Sarasota, Florida

Ingredients

1 package (19-1/2 ounces) Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
2 cups dried brown lentils, rinsed
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cartons (32 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
Fat-free plain Greek yogurt and minced fresh parsley, optional

Directions

In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook and crumble sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon.
In same pot, saute onion, celery and carrot until tender, 4-6 minutes. Add garlic and seasonings; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in sausage, lentils, tomatoes and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until lentils are tender, 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf.
Transfer 5 cups soup to a blender; cool slightly. Cover; process until smooth. Return to pot; heat through. If desired, top servings with yogurt and parsley.
Freeze option: Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add a little broth or water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups: 187 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 639mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.