Lentil Stew With Sausage

From Safeway Brand Lentils package: "Our tasters gave four-stars to this nutritious and easy to prepare entree. Smokey sausage, lots of spices and fresh greens give it wonderful flavor". I have made this stew a couple of times, each to success. I usually use what I have in the pantry, so it never - comes out exactly the same. I am posting the recipe as written - make adjustments for your own preferences.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 8 Bowls

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 2  onions, chopped (about 2 cups)
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 4  carrots, coarsely chopped
• 1  lb  smoked beef sausage, sliced
• 1  lb lentils, rinsed and drained
• 4  cups chicken broth
• 1  teaspoon dried sage
• 1  teaspoon dried thyme
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1  teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1  lb fresh kale, stems trimmed, leaves choppped (about 8 cups, Could use spinach)

Directions

1. In a 6 to 8 quart pot of Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
2. Saute onions, garlic and carrots until soft, about 10 minutes.
3. Add sausage, lentils, broth, sage, thyme, pepper and salt.
4. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until lentils are barely tender, about 20 minutes.
6. Stir in kale or spinach.
7. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until lentils are tender.
8. Ladle soup into soup bowls.