Instructions: In a large kettle, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, green pepper, onion, celery and green onion and cook over medium to medium-low heat for 10 to 12 minutes. Vegetables should "sweat" not brown. Adjust heat lower if vegetables start to brown.

Add the lentils, Cajun seasoning blend, water, diced tomatoes garlic powder and thyme leaves. Stir well. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 1 1/2 hours, or until lentils are soft. Add more water if necessary, if it cooks away. Stir in salt. Serve hot.

This recipe yields 12 servings.

Comments: Aromatic and delicious, this recipe for spicy Cajun Lentil Stew will satisfy your cravings for a full-flavored winter meal that isnt loaded in fat. This vegetable-rich stew contains less than 5 grams of fat per serving, yet it tastes rich and meaty from a combination of smoked sausage and brown lentils.

This chunky stew is plenty spicy too - if you like food that tastes milder, add just one teaspoon of Cajun seasoning spices instead of the two teaspoons called for in the recipe. Cajun seasoning blends are available in the spice aisle of most supermarkets. When shopping for Cajun spices or any seasoning blend, buy the smallest quantity you can unless you plan to use it often. Spices lose their potency in a matter of months.

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