Lentil Soup with Smoked Sausages

 Ingredients: 30 ml olive oil, 200 g dried lentils, 1 small onion, chopped finely, 100 g sweet cabbage, finely chopped, 1 clove of garlic, crushed, 2 smoked sausages, sliced, 450 g diced tomatoes (canned), 2 cubes of borscht, 1 l water, 1 bay leaf, a pinch of thyme, a pinch of hot paprika, salt and pepper to taste.

To prepare a delicious and comforting dish, we start by heating a generous amount of oil in a cauldron over medium heat. It is essential to use a cauldron, as it helps distribute the heat evenly, allowing the ingredients to cook perfectly. When the oil is hot, we add the lentils, finely chopped onion, thinly sliced cabbage, and crushed garlic. These ingredients are sautéed together, stirring them periodically, until the onion becomes translucent and the cabbage softens slightly, releasing its aroma.

After the vegetables have sautéed, we add a few sausages, preferably made from pork or beef, sliced into rounds. These will add extra flavor to the dish. We continue by adding tomatoes, which can be either fresh, diced, or canned, depending on the season and preferences. It is important to mix all the ingredients well so that the flavors combine harmoniously.

The next step is to crumble the cubes of borscht, an essential ingredient to give the dish a tangy note. These are added over the vegetable and meat mixture, followed by enough water to cover all the ingredients. At this point, we can add a bay leaf and a teaspoon of paprika, which will give the dish a vibrant color and an irresistible taste. After adding all the ingredients, we bring the mixture to a boil.

Once it starts boiling, we cover the cauldron with a lid and reduce the heat to minimum. We let it simmer for about 30 - 40 minutes, during which the lentils will cook perfectly and absorb all the flavors from the cauldron. It is important to check from time to time, stirring with a wooden spoon to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the cauldron.

After the lentils are cooked and the ingredients have blended well, we add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning so that the dish suits our preferences. Finally, we can garnish with a little freshly chopped parsley to add a touch of freshness. The dish is now ready to be served, bringing to the table not just a nourishing meal but also an explosion of flavors. Enjoy your meal!

 Tags:  onion garlic cabbage soups tomatoes borscht oil olives gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes