View source for Smoky Lentil Stew with Sausage and Potatoes

[[File:SmokyLentilSausageSoup.jpg|thumb|right]]
This stew gets the smoky flavor from a healthy dose of smoked paprika and a lot of Kielbasa. Use higher quality sausage for significantly better results. You'll want to serve it with a drizzle of really good olive oil and some good parmesan.

=== Ingredients ===

* 2 Kielbasa links, cut into bite-size chunks
* 4 Leeks, chopped
* 4 Carrots, chopped finely
* 1 Onion, diced
* 1 Orange Bell Pepper, diced
* 4 Stalks of celery, diced
* 2 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika 
* 2 Cloves of garlic, minced
* 5 Medium Yukon Gold Potatoes
* 1 Teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 Teaspoon beef bouillon (optional)
* 1 pound bag of brown lentils
* Olive Oil
* 1 Can diced tomatoes (fire roasted if possible)
* 10 cups of water
* Salt to taste (start with 2 teaspoons)
* Parmesan for serving (Get the good stuff)


=== Preparation ===

# Brown the Kielbasa in a large pot, remove and reserve
# Saute the onions, leeks, carrots, celery, and bell pepper on medium heat until it's cooked down and lightly brown
# Push everything to the sides add a little oil and the smoked paprika to the pan, cook it briefly to release the flavors, and then mix everything around and saute for another minute.
# Add the garlic and saute for another minute
# Add the water and scrape the bottom of the pan to get all the browned bits
# Add the potatoes, thyme, bouillon if using, diced tomatoes, and lentils. 
# Bring to a boil and then reduce and simmer for an hour. 
# Salt to taste

==== Serving ====
* Add into bowls, drizzle good extra virgin olive oil and add parmesan
* Serve with good toasted bread

=== Notes ===
* This will improve overnight, but you might have to add a little water when you reheat it.