Ingredients

• 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 (16 ounce) package dry lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 8 cups water
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 pound ditalini pasta (optional)