Carrabba's Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup

• 1 lb Italian sausage ( You can also use Italian turkey sausage)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 1 small zucchini, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 -3 garlic cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 2 cups dry lentils
• black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• parsley

DIRECTIONS

1. Brown sausage; drain off fat.
2. In a large pot combine all ingredients bring to boil.
3. Reduce heat,cover.
4. Simmer for about 1 hour or until lentils are tender. Add water if necessary, for desired consistency. I like to puree about 1 cup of the soup and add back to pot to give it a thicker consistency.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.