INGREDIENTS
1/3 lb
bacon (about 5 thick slices), cut into 1-inch by 1/4-inch strips
1
medium-large yellow or white onion, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
2
large carrots, diced (2/3 cup)
2
large ribs celery, diced (2/3 cup)
1 tsp
ground cumin
2 cloves
garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1 lb
brown or green dry lentils, rinsed and picked over to remove anything that shouldn't be there (like a small rock for example)
3 cups
water
3 cups
chicken stock* (can sub water for a total of 6 cups of liquid)
1/2 tsp
dry thyme
1
bay leaf
1/2 lb
Italian sausage (mild, sweet, or spicy, your choice) or smoked sausage, in links (about 2-3 links)
1 tsp
sherry vinegar (can sub cider vinegar)
1/4 cup
chopped fresh parsley, with a little extra for garnish