Creamy Sausage Lentil Veggie Soup | Natalie Cooks

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil, (divided)
• 4-8 oz Italian sausage, (sliced if cooked (can use raw or cooked)*)
• 1 yellow onion, (chopped)
• 2 carrots, (chopped)
• 2 celery stalks, (chopped)
• 1 tsp kosher salt, (divided)
• 2 cloves garlic, (chopped)
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes ((optional))
• 6 cups water
• 1 cup green lentils
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• ½ cup raw cashews, (soaked overnight**)
• 4 cups chopped kale or other green
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Grated/crumbled cheese, (for topping (optional)***)
• Crusty bread, (for serving (optional))
• **Can also sub the nuts with 1/2 cup heavy cream.
• ***I realized when eating leftovers that cheese on top is delicious - mozzarella, cheddar, parm, or feta!