Lentil Bean Soup

An Italian New Year's dish. From Jacque's mission

Ingredients:

• equal amounts of carrots, celery, and onion chopped fine (I chop about the same amount equaling two large onions each)
• 1/4 c. - 1/2 c. olive oil
• minced garlic (about 3-5 cloves)
• Italian sausage (one per person minimum)
• 1 large can of tomatoes
• Lentils (1-2 bags)
• Broth cube (or two)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Sautee carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the olive oil in a pan.
2. Add sausage to mixture (removing skin and cut to small pieces) and cook through
3. Add the tomatoes to the mixture and simmer on medium-low for about 10 minutes.
4. Add lentils, broth cube, salt and pepper. I usually also add water near to the top (but that depends how soupish you want the soup).
5. Let it simmer for 45 minutes on low (I'm guessing here!).