Lentil, Black Bean and Turkey Sausage Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup onions, chopped
3/4 cup carrots, grated
1 garlic clove, minced
1 lb Italian sausage, spicy hot and in bulk
2 slices turkey bacon
1 can black beans
7 cups water
5 cups chicken broth
1 lb lentils, rinsed and picked over
1 tomato, diced
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes

1. Heat olive oil in large soup pot. Add onion, carrot, garlic, and sausage to the pot, Saute for 8 minutes, stirring often. Break up the sausage into small bits as it cooks.
2. Add bacon and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 2 hours.



Number of Servings: 12

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user DEBORAHB1972.