Brown the Sausage

1. In a large, heavy pot, over medium-high heat, place 1 T olive oil.  When it begins to shimmer, add the sausage, and brown, breaking it up into smaller and smaller pieces as you go. Once it is brown, remove to a separate dish.
2. Remove any excess fat from the pan, keeping 1-2 T for the vegetables.

Cook the vegetables

1. If you used lean sausage, like chicken or turkey sausage, you may need to add a 1-2 T oil, for a total of 2 -3 T in the pot.  Add the chopped celery, onion, carrots, and peppers.  Cook for 7-8 minutes, until onions begin to appear translucent.
2. To the vegetables, add the browned sausage, tomatoes, dry lentils, spices, liquid smoke (if using) and most of the stock.
3. Season with 1 t salt and 1/2 t ground black pepper.

Simmer the soup

1. Simmer soup 40-60 minutes.  Add more stock/broth to adjust thickness as desired, or add water if you’ve used all of your stock.
2. Be sure to taste and add salt and pepper as desired.
3. Serve and enjoy!