Lentil and Sausage Stew
Brown lentils, sliced sausage, stock and tomato paste cook 6 hours on LOW, with greens stirred in at the end.
Lentil and Sausage Stew
Course: Main CourseDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes6
hoursBrown lentils, sliced sausage, stock and tomato paste cook 6 hours on LOW, with greens stirred in at the end.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups brown lentils, rinsed
4 sausages, sliced
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups stock
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp kosher salt
2 cups chopped greens
Directions
- Put the lentils, onion, carrots and garlic in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the sliced sausage on top.
- Whisk the tomato paste into the stock.
- Pour the stock over everything and add the thyme.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
- Check that the lentils are soft.
- Stir in the greens.
- Cook 10 minutes more, covered.
- Taste and add salt if needed.
- Ladle into bowls.
Notes
- Do not add salt until the lentils are tender. Keeps 4 days and freezes for 3 months.
Why lentils and sausage get along
Sliced sausage releases fat and spice into the stew as it cooks, so the lentils taste seasoned from the inside. Brown lentils hold their shape over six hours, and the tomato paste gives the broth some depth. The greens go in at the end so they stay green.
Swaps that work for Lentil and Sausage Stew
Smoked sausage like kielbasa gives a deeper flavor, while mild Italian sausage keeps it simple. Kale works in place of other greens. Green lentils are fine. Do not substitute red lentils, which dissolve into the broth. And keep the salt out until the lentils are tender, as the card notes.
Serve and store Lentil and Sausage Stew
Eat it with crusty bread and a spoonful of mustard or a splash of vinegar to cut the richness. Leftovers keep 4 days and freeze for 3 months. The stew thickens in the fridge, so add stock when reheating.
The mistake is cooking on HIGH to save time. Lentils can split and turn mushy while the sausage dries.
Lentil and Sausage Stew at a glance
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 6 hours
- Servings: 4 servings
- Ingredients: 10, led by brown lentils, sausages, onion, carrots
Tips for Lentil and Sausage Stew
Do not add salt until the lentils are tender. Keeps 4 days and freezes for 3 months.
Lentil and Sausage Stew FAQ
How long does Lentil and Sausage Stew take?
Lentil and Sausage Stew takes 6 hours of cooking after 10 minutes of prep.
How many people does Lentil and Sausage Stew serve?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What do I need to make Lentil and Sausage Stew?
10 ingredients, led by brown lentils, sausages, onion, carrots. Amounts are in the recipe card above.
Part of: 6 Cheap Crockpot Dinners for a Family
