Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 lb Italian sausage, spicy hot and in bulk
• 7 cups water
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb lentils, rinsed and picked over
• 1 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup carrot, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes