Lencseleves

Ingredients

 * 1 lb. dried lentils, washed and drained
 * 1/4 cup of lard, bacon drippings, or oil
 * 2 medium onions, chopped
 * 1 parsnip or parsley root, chopped
 * 2 medium carrots, sliced
 * 1 cup sliced celery
 * 8 cups water
 * 1 tsp. salt to taste
 * several whole black pepper corns
 * 2 whole cloves
 * 2 bay leaves
 * 1 large potato, peeled and grated
 * 2 large links, or 4 small links smoked sausage, skin pricked with fork
 * 2 Tbls. good vinegar

Directions

 * 1) In a large pot, heat fat and add carrots, root vegetable and onions.
 * 2) Saute until onions are golden.
 * 3) Add lentils, water, celery, and seasonings.
 * 4) Grate the potato into the mixture and add sausage.
 * 5) Simmer covered 1 hour until lentils and vegetables are tender.
 * 6) Remove bay leaves.
 * 7) Add vinegar just before serving and adjust salt.
 * 8) Serve with a crusty bread and salad.