Spanish-Style Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried lentils
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 pound ham, diced
• 1 large onion
• 1 large potato, peeled
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 carrots
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

1. Combine first 3 ingredients and enough water to cover in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes.
2. Chop onion, potato, and garlic; slice carrots and sausage.
3. Saute onion, carrot, and garlic in olive oil in a large skillet until tender; stir into lentil mixture. Add potato, sausage, chicken broth, and next 4 ingredients. Cover mixture, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes or until done. Stir in parsley, and serve immediately.