~ The Kitchen Cupboard, Soups of the day~

Sausage and Lentil Stew-

• 3 slices thick-cut bacon,diced
• 1 large yellow onion,diced(about 1 1/2 cups
• 3 large carrots
• 3 celery stalks,diced(about 1 cup)
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 ounces French lentils
• 1pound andouille sausage,cut into 1/4-inch-thick diagonal slices
• 2 cups coarsely chopped kale
• One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes,with juice
• 6 cups low sodium ckicken broth
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt &1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• Grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese
  

In large heavy pot, cook bacon over medium.heat until fat is rendered &bacon is crisp. Remove from pan drain on paper towels. Reserve for garnishing. Add onion,carrots,celery,and bay leaves to bacon fat.Turn the heat to Med.low heat & cook the vegetables until very tender.about 15 mins. Stir in lentils,sausage,and kale.Add tomatoes,crushing the tomatoes with your fingers as you add them to the pot.Add the chicken stock,salt,and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for one hour,covered,until lentils are tender. Stir and add more salt and pepper to taste,as desired. Ladle into bowls and top with reserved bacon bits and some grated cheese.(Cook time 1 hour 20mins.)

Broccoli Cheese Soup
1/4 cup butter
1 cup chopped onion

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 cups half-and-half
1 (14-ounce)package frozen broccoli florets
1 cup matchstick carrots 3/4 salt &1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups shredded Chedder cheese-Garnish : with fresh thyme

In a large dutch oven,melt butter over med.heat. Add onion,and cook for 5 mins. Add garlic,and cook for 3 mins. Add flour,and cook for 2mins,stirring constantly. Whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half.Stir in broccoli,carrots,salt,white pepper,and thyme. Bring to a boil,reduce heat,and simmer uncovered for 20 mins.Add cheese,stirring until smooth. Garnish with fresh thyme. Soup can be made ahead and frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator.

So Delicious,Enjoy!