Lentil, Spinach and Sausage Soup

½ pound smoked sausage, sliced thin
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 medium onions, chopped
1 cup lentils, rinsed and picked over
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
9 ounce package fresh spinach, chopped
2½ teaspoons sea salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 Tablespoon malt vinegar

Brown sausage in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Press firmly to remove as much fat as possible. Po ur off fat and wipe pan clean with paper towel. Add garlic and onions and sauté for 5 minutes.

In a 3-quart heavy saucepan, add garlic and onions, lentils, chicken broth and water. Simmer covered for 45 minutes. Add spinach, salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in vinegar. Correct seasonings. Yield: 6 cups.