Cooking: Lentil Sausage Stew

I won't call this a recipe, as I'm seldom very accountable for things like measurements. But this was yummy, and it generated some pretty photos. So, you know. :-)

Ingredients:
2-3 spicy sausages (if you can find a local specialty all's the better)
1 medium onion
2 medium apples
2 ribs celery
1 cup red lentils
handful fresh spinach
4 cups or so stock

Cook sausages by simmering in a little water until cooked, but don't worry about browning. You can remove the meat from the casing first or cook the sausages whole and slice them later. Set aside.

Sautée chopped onion with a little canola oil until at least translucent. For this recipe I pretty much caramelized them and then deglazed the pan with a little apple juice. Add chopped celery and sautée for a few more minutes. Add chopped apples, give it a good stir, then add whatever stock or liquid you like.

Bring to a boil, then add lentils and sausage and simmer until the lentils are cooked, about 25 minutes. Toss in spinach leaves, let them get hot and happy, and you're done.

I served this with a dollop of good plain yogurt and some toasted pita bread, and a side of brown rice. Yummy - hearty but with a touch of spice and sweetness.