Lentils Stew with Sausage

– wash and rinse well the dry lentils, them soak them in abundant water for at least 4 hours;

– drain the lentils and keep them aside for now;

– chop the onion finely and put it into a medium pot;

– add the pinch of salt, 2 full spoons of extra virgin olive oil and mix well;

– chop the carrots and celery in small cubes and put them onto the onion;

– put the pot onto the stove on medium heat;

– as soon as the oil starts to fry, lower the heat to minimum, cover the saucepan and let the vegetables to simmer slowly;

– when the vegetables become soft (it will take around 15 minutes) remove the lid and add the sausage (which you have previously chopped in cubes);

– stir for a dew minutes then add the lentils;

– pour the tomato sauce and mix well;

– add some hot water till lentils are covered for 2 fingers;

– add the tomato paste and mix well;

– add the thyme and let it cook for about 40/50 minutes from when they start to boil;

– when the sauce will start to thicken, adjust of salt and pepper, stir often till cooking is completed;

– serve topped with a sprinkle of raw extra virgin olive oil;