Curried Apple and Lentil Soup

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1tbsp butter

• 1 onion diced

• 3 cloves garlic minced

• 2 leeks washed, cut in half and thinly sliced, white part only

• 1 carrot chopped

• 2 celery stalks chopped

• 2 tbsps mild curry powder

• 2 sweet potatoes

• 3 apples cored, peeled and diced (I use Fuji)

• 1 cup lentils (I like Puy or French lentils, but any will work)

• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes

• 8 cups broth (I use chicken)

• 6 turkey apple sausages cut in half lengthwise and sliced (optional)

• salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil and butter in a large stock pot. Add onion, leek, garlic, celery and carrots. Sauté on medium heat stirring occasionally until onions are translucent and vegetables are softening. Add curry powder, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, and seasoning. Stir to combine. Stir in lentils, sausage (optional) and broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until vegetables and lentils are done- about 45 minutes. Adjust seasoning and serve.

Serves 6 to 8.