Lentil Stew with Sweet Italian Sausage and Apple

Ingredients

• 5 sweet Italian sausages, sliced and halved
• 1 medium white onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves chopped garlic
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 bundle of fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup apple cider, apple juice, or apple wine
• 1 cup green lentils
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 large carrots, peeled and large diced
• 1 small turnip, peeled and cubed
• 6 baby potatoes, peels on and cubed
• 1 apple, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 Tbsp white vinegar

Directions

1. Brown the sausage, celery, and onion in a large non stick pan until the onion begins to get soft (app. five minutes)
2. Add the garlic, continue to saute another minute stirring constantly. Add the thyme bundle, the apple cider and the lentils. Stir until everything is incorporated and the liquid has been absorbed into the lentils.
3. Add the chicken stock. Bring to the boil and then turn to med low. Cover and simmer stirring occasionally for 45 minutes.
4. Add the carrots, turnip, potato and apple. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer about 15 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
5. Add the chopped spinach and vinegar. Continue covered at a simmering boil over med low heat for 5 minutes until the spinach is cooked. 
6. Remove pot from heat and let sit covered for 15 minutes before serving.