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Weeknight • Soups

Simple Lentil and Sausage Stew

A hearty, comforting stew with earthy lentils, savory sausage, and aromatic vegetables in a rich broth.

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

When the weather gets a little chilly, there's nothing better than a warm, soul-satisfying stew. This Simple Lentil and Sausage Stew is packed with flavor and nutrition, yet surprisingly easy to throw together. It's truly a hug in a bowl!

Ingredients

Yield: 6 servings

Main

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

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pot.

  2. Step 2

    Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in garlic, oregano, and thyme, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in diced tomatoes (with their liquid), chicken broth, rinsed lentils, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

  4. Step 4

    Return cooked sausage to the pot. Stir well and continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the stew to thicken slightly.

  5. Step 5

    Remove bay leaves. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

  6. Step 6

    Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Tips

  • If you like a thicker stew, mash a spoonful or two of the cooked lentils against the side of the pot.
  • This stew is even better the next day, making it great for meal prep!

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