Hearty Lentil Soup

Lentils are high in protein, high in fiber, low in fat and have no cholesterol. This is my favorite lentil soup recipe:

2 cups chicken broth

1 can beer or 1 1/2cups chicken broth

1/2 c. dried lentils (sorted and rinsed)

1 medium carrot, sliced

1 medium celery, chopped

1/8 tsp pepper

1 small bay leaf

1 small onion, chopped

1 fully cooked smoked turkey sausage, thinly sliced

1 tsp dried basil

2 Tbsp parmesan cheese

Heat broth, beer, lentils to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender. Stir in remaining ingredients, except cheese. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf. Sprink with cheese and serve.