Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 70-80 minutes

Materials:

• 3 links hot Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 carrot chopped
• 2 ribs of celery chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 8- 10 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Parmesan cheese to taste

Process:

1. In a soup pot add in the sausage. Keeping the heat on medium/ high cook the sausage while braking it up with a wooden spoon.
2. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked through and then remove onto a clean plate and leaving 2 tbsp. of the grease rendered from the sausage.
3. Add in the onion, carrot and celery and cook for 4-5 minutes until veggies have softened.
4. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
5. Add in the tomato paste and mix well to incorporate.
6. Add the sausage back in and mix well to incorporate into the veggies.
7. Add in the chicken or veggie stock and season with salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, cumin and chili powder. Mix well.
8. Add in the lentils and lower the heat to low (so it is at a simmer). Cover and cook for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Add in the orzo pasta and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the orzo and lentils are soft and cooked through. ENJOY!