Lentil Soup with Vegan Apple Sage Sausage

1 C. dry lentils
1 C. chopped green pepper
2 medium carrots sliced
1 medium onion chopped
1 tsp. dried sage
2 dashes of red pepper flakes
salt to taste
pepper to taste
2 cloves minced garlic
4 C. vegetable broth
3 C. water
2 cooked vegan apple sage sausage (may substitute with other vegetarian/vegan sausage)

In a large pot mix all ingredients except sausage.  Bring to boiling; reduce heat.  Cover and simmer for 20 - 25 minutes or until vegetables and lentils are tender.  Stir in sausage last 5 minutes.

*** I think the vegan apple sage sausage (I picked this up at Costco) gives this soup an excellent flavor but I would think any sausage would work.  You can also play with the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes.