Lentil Linguica Soup

This is a hearty, somewhat unusual soup that is really worth the extra effort. It would be a great contribution to a soup party, or just a casual supper with crusty bread. I'm not a big fan of Lentils, but this is exceptional and they are so healthy for you.

Lentil Linguica Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound linguica
7 ounces smoked ham finely chopped
2 large onions finely chopped
1 large red pepper finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 medium carrot finely chopped
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
8 cups chicken broth
1 pound can peeled tomatoes
1 1/4 cups green or pink lentils
salt and pepper
12 spinach leaves trimmed

Heat oil in heavy 6-8 quart saucepan over medium heat. Add linguica and cook until almost all the fat is rendered. Transfer sausage to a platter. Drain off all but two tablespoons of grease from the saucepan. Add ham, onion, pepper and carrot to saucepan. Cover and cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, bay, thyme and cumin. Cook additional 5 minutes.
Meanwhile thinly slice sausage. Add to saucepan along with chicken stock, tomatoes and lentils. (At this point transfer to crock pot if you like. Cover and cook 5-6 hours on low) Reduce heat to low, partially cover and simmer gently until lentils begin to dissolve, about 2 hours on stovetop. Discard any fat from surface. Flavor with salt and pepper. Just before serving, add spinach which has been sliced in thin ribbons.
Serves 8.