Lentil Soup with Spicy Sausage: Hearty, Flavorful, and Perfectly Spiced

Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the sausage for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Spices: Stir in the cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom and coat the vegetables.
Simmer the Soup: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with juices), and broth. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil.
Cook the Soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes until the lentils are tender.
Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Serving and Storage Tips