Anyone who has ever thought that bean-based soups are dull should leave their misconceptions at the door! This soup -- called a "smiler" by my husband -- is bursting with flavor and is bound to keep you warm this winter.
2 T. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 c. red lentils
2 c. diced potato
1 c. corn
2 bay leaves
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
2 quarts chicken stock
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 lb. smoked sausage, cut into 1/2" pieces
Cook the onion, carrot and garlic in the olive oil for 5 minutes or until soft and lightly browned. Add all remaining ingredients except the sausage and cook for 35-40 minutes or until lentils and potatoes are soft. Add the sausage pieces and simmer about 15-20 minutes more until you achieve the desired taste. If you want soup that's more appropriate for a first course, omit the sausages and add 4 pieces of crumbled bacon with the lentils.
