Cajun Lentil Stew

Ingredients

• 1 16-oz bag of brown lentils, rinsed under cold water
• ½ lb. hot smoked sausage
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1½ lb spareribs
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
• 2 green onions, minced
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 10 C water
• 1 14-oz can Rotel tomatoes
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp thyme leaves
• 1 tsp salt

Directions

1. In a large kettle, heat the oil and sweat the vegetables and the smoked sausage, about 10-12 minutes.
2. Add the lentils, ribs, seasonings, water, and tomatoes. Substitute regular tomatoes in this step if you want a less spicy dish. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cover.
3. Cook for 1½ hours or until the lentils are soft. You may need to add more water.
4. Taste for seasoning and serve hot over rice with hot French bread