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Weeknight • Pork

Hearty Lentil and Sausage Stew

This comforting and robust stew combines earthy lentils with savory sausage for a meal that truly satisfies.

Prep
15 min
Cook
40 min
Servings
6
Level
Weeknight
Hearty Lentil and Sausage Stew

When the weather turns cool, or you just need a warming hug in a bowl, this Hearty Lentil and Sausage Stew is exactly what you're looking for. It's packed with flavor, thanks to hearty lentils and savory sausage, making it a perfect cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Yield: 6 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the sausage meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving a tablespoon of drippings in the pot.

  2. Step 2

    Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 7-8 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.

  4. Step 4

    Add diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, and rinsed lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

  5. Step 5

    Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  6. Step 6

    Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Tips

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add a can of drained cannellini beans for extra protein.
  • This stew tastes even better the next day, so it's a great make-ahead meal!

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