For your dining pleasure: Serve an award-worthy stew at your Oscar party
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
2 cups (1 pound) lentils, brown, green or multicolored, rinsed and picked over
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 14 1/2 ounce can diced well-drained canned tomatoes
3/4 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pound cooked sausage of your choice, cut into 1/2-inch slices (I like smoked turkey sausage) (optional)
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves or 1/3 teaspoon dried
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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