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Weeknight • Pork

Hearty Lentil & Sausage Skillet

A robust and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender lentils, savory sausage, and fresh spinach.

Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Hearty Lentil & Sausage Skillet

If you're searching for a meal that's both comforting and packed with wholesome goodness, look no further! Our Hearty Lentil & Sausage Skillet is a true one-pan wonder. Earthy lentils, savory sausage, and tender spinach come together in a rich, flavorful sauce that will warm you from the inside out. It's incredibly satisfying and surprisingly quick to make, perfect for any weeknight.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (pork or chicken, mild or hot), casings removed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, then remove sausage and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add chopped onion and diced carrots to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Add the rinsed lentils, chicken or vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.

  4. Step 4

    Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

  5. Step 5

    Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish is hearty enough on its own or pairs well with crusty bread.

Tips

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add an extra can of rinsed cannellini beans or another cup of mushrooms.
  • If the mixture gets too thick while simmering, add a splash more broth or water.
  • A tablespoon of balsamic vinegar stirred in at the end can add a lovely tang.

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