Lentil Kale and Kielbasa Soup

Quick-cooking #lentils provide high #protein and #fiber combined with #kale make this a super nutritious and delicious #easyweeknigntdinner

This is a very versatile dish that can be adjusted to ingredients that you have on hand. I will give some #vegetarian #vegan options to switch it up.

Lentils Belong in Your Pantry

Lentils are the number two vegetable protein source just behind soybeans.

Soybeans come with a lot of baggage and there are strong opinions on both sides. I happen to love edamame right out of the pod at the sushi bar, but not all the time.

Kale...Do You Love It...Probably Not, this Soup Will Make You a Believer

The scary kale will disappear into the dish and re-appear as happy verdant flashes of nutrition.

Lentil Kale and Kielbasa Soup - serves 16

Dice up the veggies and get a large stockpot with a lid on medium heat, coat the bottom evenly with oil. Once the oil starts to shimmer add all the veggies, except the garlic, add the salt and pepper, stir and cover. Sweat until the onions are translucent, then add the garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and stir around for a minute to let the essential oils release. Add the 2 quarts of stock and 1 quart of water along with the lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer for 30 minutes, check for doneness. The lentils should be soft and not toothsome. Adjust the water if it needs more, a ladle should have liquid and ingredients. Once the lentils are done, let's add the Latecomers! The kale or spinach will only take five minutes to cook in the broth. Season to taste and dish up in your favorite bowl garnished with crusty bread. This makes great leftover lunch and freezes well.

Ingredients

2 quarts of chicken bone broth or vegetable stock

2 quarts of water

1 lb bag of lentils

5-7 carrots - cut into 1/4 inch coins

3 stalks of celery - diced

4 onions - diced

4 cloves of garlic - smashed and minced

1/2 head of a small cabbage

Seasoning

2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 T Italian seasoning

1 bay leaf

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

Late Comers to the Party

1/2 kielbasa cut into 1/2" cubes

1 can of Italian seasoned tomatoes - *DO NOT* add this until after the lentils are cooked @ 30 minutes or so

2 cups of cleaned and chopped kale or a frozen block of spinach

Vegan Option

Use the vegetable stock, omit the kielbasa add 1 lb of chopped, and sauteed mushrooms with a dash of liquid smoke. A pot of cooked barley on the side makes a great addition.