Alsatian Lentil Soup With Bratwurst - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb brown lentils, rinsed and picked over
4 bratwursts
4 celery ribs, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 medium leeks, trimmed, well washed, and chopped
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
salt
fresh ground pepper
8 cups water
creme fraiche or sour cream

Preparation

In a large slow cooker, combine all the ingredients except for the creme fraiche.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or until the lentils are tender.
Discard the bay leaf.
Remove the bratwurst and cut it into slices.
Stir the slices into the soup; taste for seasoning and adjust.
Serve the soup hot, topping each bowl with a dollop of creme fraiche.