Lentil Sausage Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sliced fresh carrots
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 7 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1-1/2 cups dried lentils, rinsed
• 1/2 pound Italian Sausage
  
• 1-1/2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4-1/2 teaspoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Dash each dried thyme, basil and oregano

Directions:
1. Cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain fat.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients except the lentils to a large soup pot. Bring to a boil.
3. Add lentils, reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 60-70 minutes until lentils are tender.