French Lentil Soup with Smoked Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from the pot and set aside.

Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.

Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Heat through.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in lemon juice if using.

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.