1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3/4 lb kielbasa or andouille sausages or Polish sausage, cut into 1 inch thich slices
3/4 cup chopped onions
1 1/2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup chopped carrots
3/4 cup chopped celery
3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
3/4 bay leaves
1 1/2 envelopes lipton golden onion soup mix
4 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups dried lentils, rinsed and picked over for stones
3/8 teaspoon black pepper
In a large souppot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Add in sausage slices; stir/saute until evenly browned.
Add in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; stir/saute for 3-4 minutes or until softened.
Add in the cumin seeds, cayenne, bay leaf, and soup mix; cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly so spices don't burn.
Add in the water, lentils, and pepper; bring mixture to a boil.
Lower the heat to med-low; cover and simmer 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until lentils are soft and creamy.
Take out bay leaf just before ready to serve.
Makes 6 servings.