Pin It A robust comforting stew featuring tender lentils savory sausage and aromatic vegetables perfect for chilly evenings
I love making this stew on cold nights when I want something warming and filling that reminds me of home cooking
Ingredients
- Meats: 300 g (10 oz) smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille) sliced into 1 cm rounds
- Legumes: 250 g (1 1/4 cups) dried green or brown lentils rinsed
- Vegetables: 1 large onion finely chopped 2 carrots diced 2 celery stalks diced 2 garlic cloves minced 1 large potato peeled and diced 1 can (400 g/14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- Liquids: 1.2 liters (5 cups) chicken or vegetable broth 1 tbsp olive oil
- Spices & Seasonings: 1 bay leaf 1 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp smoked paprika Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Garnish (optional): Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned about 4 minutes Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside
- Step 2:
- In the same pot add onion carrots celery and potato Sauté for 5 7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften
- Step 3:
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
- Step 4:
- Add the lentils diced tomatoes (with juice) broth bay leaf thyme and smoked paprika Stir well
- Step 5:
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low Cover and simmer for 25 minutes
- Step 6:
- Return the browned sausage to the pot Simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes or until lentils and vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Step 7:
- Remove the bay leaf Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired
Pin It This stew has become a family favorite especially on cold evenings when we gather around the table to share stories and warmth
Notes
For a spicier stew use spicy sausage or add a pinch of chili flakes Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a different flavor Serve with crusty bread for a heartier meal To make vegan use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth
Required Tools
Large heavy-bottomed pot Knife Cutting board Slotted spoon Ladle
Nutritional Information
Calories 430 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 46 g Protein 22 g per serving
Pin It This hearty stew is perfect to prep ahead and tastes even better the next day
Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausages like kielbasa or andouille add deep, savory flavor and hold up well during cooking.
- → Can I substitute lentils with other legumes?
Green or brown lentils are ideal for texture and cooking time but split peas or chickpeas can be used with adjustments.
- → How can I make this stew spicier?
Use spicy sausage varieties or add chili flakes during cooking to enhance heat.
- → Is it possible to make a vegetarian version?
Yes, swap sausage for plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
- → What vegetables complement the flavors best?
Onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, and garlic create a classic aromatic base that balances the rich sausage and lentils.