Hearty Lentil and Sausage Stew

When the chill of winter settles in or the days feel a bit too long, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of stew to bring comfort and satisfaction. Enter the Hearty Lentil and Sausage Stew—a dish that not only warms the body but nourishes the soul. This stew is a wonderful amalgamation of flavors and textures, combining the earthiness of lentils with the savory depth of sausage, creating a meal that is both wholesome and indulgent.

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Hearty Lentil and Sausage Stew. Perfect for chilly days, this nourishing dish blends nutritious lentils with savory sausage and colorful vegetables, creating a delightful meal that warms the soul. Packed with protein and fiber, it's an ideal choice for busy lifestyles. Learn how to make it your way, customize the flavors, and enjoy a hearty bowl that promises satisfaction in every spoonful. Make it your go-to recipe for family dinners or meal prep!

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)

1 cup (200g) dried green or brown lentils, rinsed

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

4 cups (1L) low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes (with juices)

2 cups (70g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until nicely browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onion is translucent.

Add Lentils and Spices: Stir in the rinsed lentils, cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients with the sautéed vegetables.

Combine Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients, and then add the browned sausage back into the pot. Toss in the bay leaf.

Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and flavorful.

Add Spinach: Once the lentils are cooked, remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 5 minutes just until the spinach is wilted. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serve: Ladle the hearty stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. If desired, accompany it with crusty bread for dipping.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings