Portion Size: 1 cup

Ingredients: Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients	Notes:
2 Tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup finely chopped onion	Washed, peeled and finely chopped
¼ cup finely chopped carrot	Washed, peeled  and finely chopped
¼ cup celery	Washed, trimmed and finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups lentils	Picked and rinsed
½ lb. lean ground sweet pork sausage, casings removed
1 cup diced tomatoes
4 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
½ teaspoon ground thyme
1 bay leave
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups fresh baby spinach	Washed, trimmed and chopped

Directions:

Steps:	Directions:	Critical Control Point /Quality Assurance
1	Place the olive oil into a large stock and set over medium heat.
2	Once hot, add the onion, carrot, celery and salt and cook until the onions are translucent, approximately 6 to 7 minutes. Add sausage and cook until browned.
3	Add the lentils, tomatoes, broth, thyme, bay leaves and garlic powder and stir to combine.
4	Increase the heat to high and bring just to a boil.
5	Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook at a low simmer until the lentils are tender, approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Just before serving. Stir in baby spinach and stir just until wilted. Serve immediately.	Cook until internal temperature reaches 135°F.