As the cooler months roll in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty stew to make you feel cozy and content. This Lentil Sausage Stew is a perfect blend of savory flavors and wholesome ingredients, bringing comfort to your table with every bite. Combining the earthiness of lentils with the rich taste of sausage, this stew is a satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Grab a bowl and enjoy the simple pleasures of home-cooked goodness.
Steps
- In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into pieces as it cooks. You might need to add a bit of oil at the start if the sausage is lean, and drain any excess fat if necessary.
- While the sausage is cooking, wash, peel, and slice the carrots, slice the celery, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Add these veggies to the pot with the browned sausage and sauté until the onions are translucent and soft.
- Stir in the brown lentils, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano.
- Pour in the chicken broth, cover the pot with a lid, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Add more water if the stew becomes too dry.
- After the lentils are cooked, stir in the frozen spinach and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the spinach is heated through.
- Once fully cooked, serve the Lentil and Sausage Stew hot, ideally with a thick slice of crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 carrots
- 4 ribs of celery
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 cups of brown lentils
- 6 cups of chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 10 oz. frozen spinach
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2422.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 308.8g | Protein: 158.88g | Fat: 70.72g | Sodium: 7810.52mg | Fiber: 61.12g
FAQ
- Can I substitute fresh spinach for frozen spinach in the Lentil and Sausage Stew?
- Yes, fresh spinach is a great alternative. Add approximately 8 ounces of fresh baby spinach to the pot once the cooking is complete and stir until it wilts into the stew.
- Is it possible to freeze the Lentil and Sausage Stew for later use?
- Absolutely, this stew freezes very well. You can make a large batch and store portions in the freezer for future meals. Alternatively, you can halve the recipe if you prefer a smaller quantity.
- What should I do if my sausage comes in a larger quantity than needed for the recipe?
- Sausage often comes in one-pound packages, but it freezes well. You can use half for this stew and freeze the remaining half for another recipe.
- What adjustments should be made if the stew becomes too dry during cooking?
- If the stew begins to dry out while simmering, simply add more water to reach your desired consistency.
- Can you suggest a serving suggestion to complement the Lentil and Sausage Stew?
- The stew pairs wonderfully with a thick slice of crusty bread, which can be used to soak up the rich flavors of the broth.
Tips
- To enhance the stew’s flavor, consider using Better Than Bouillon for the chicken broth, as it can provide a richer taste compared to regular broth.
- If your Italian sausage has a high-fat content, you may want to drain the excess fat after browning it to prevent the stew from becoming too greasy.
- Fresh spinach can be a great substitute for frozen spinach. Simply add about 8 oz. of fresh baby spinach at the end of cooking and stir until it wilts into the stew for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- This stew is perfect for meal prepping as it freezes exceptionally well. Consider making a full batch and storing portions in the freezer for convenient, delicious meals later on.
Equipment
- Large Pot – Essential for cooking the stew.
- Knife – Needed for dicing and slicing vegetables.
- Cutting Board – For preparing vegetables.
- Ladle – Useful for serving the stew.
