Lentil and Sausage Stew Recipe

This recipe serves 8 people generously and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for weekend cooking or meal prep for the week ahead. The result is a thick, flavorful stew with tender lentils, perfectly cooked vegetables, and chunks of savory sausage that create a complete meal in every bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this hearty lentil and sausage stew, gather these flavorful ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups green or brown lentils, rinsed and picked over
• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor – the seasoning in good sausage will infuse the entire stew with wonderful herbs and spices. Green or brown lentils work best as they hold their shape during the long cooking process.

Essential Equipment

Before starting, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer for rinsing lentils
• Ladle for serving

A Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe as it provides even heat distribution and enough capacity for the full batch while allowing for proper browning of the sausage.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Brown the Sausage

Remove the sausage from its casings and break it into bite-sized chunks. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage pieces and brown them thoroughly on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. The sausage should develop a nice golden crust, which adds tremendous flavor to the stew. Remove the browned sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Build the Vegetable Base

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot if needed. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot, cooking for 8-10 minutes while stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. The vegetables will pick up all the delicious browned bits from the sausage, adding extra flavor to the stew.

Add Aromatics

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw tomato flavor and deepen the color of your base.

Create the Stew Base

Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with your wooden spoon. These browned bits add incredible depth of flavor to the stew. Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.

Add Lentils and Liquid

Pour in the rinsed lentils and the broth, stirring to combine everything well. Return the browned sausage to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Simmer to Perfection

Cover the pot partially and simmer for 45-55 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. The stew should have a thick, hearty consistency. If it becomes too thick, add more broth or water. If it’s too thin, continue simmering uncovered to allow some liquid to evaporate.

Add Greens and Final Seasoning

During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt into the stew. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the sausage and broth may already contribute significant saltiness.

Finish with Brightness

Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaves. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, which adds a bright note that balances the rich, hearty flavors of the stew. The acid also helps bring all the flavors together beautifully.

Rest and Garnish

Let the stew rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the consistency to thicken slightly. Stir in half of the chopped parsley, reserving the rest for garnish.

Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments

Ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or cornbread for soaking up the delicious broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich stew.

Storage and Meal Prep Benefits

This stew is perfect for meal prep and actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator. Store leftovers for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if the stew has thickened too much, and warm gently over medium-low heat.

Nutritional Benefits and Health Value

This stew provides excellent nutrition with plant-based protein from the lentils, complete protein from the sausage, and plenty of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The lentils are rich in fiber, iron, and folate, while the vegetables contribute vitamins A and C. The spinach adds extra iron and calcium to make this a well-rounded, nutritious meal.

Variations and Customizations

You can easily customize this stew to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Try using turkey sausage for a lighter option, or substitute the spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or other leafy greens. Some families enjoy adding diced potatoes during the last 20 minutes of cooking for extra heartiness.

Tips for Perfect Results

The key to exceptional lentil and sausage stew lies in properly browning the sausage to develop deep flavor and not overcooking the lentils. Green and brown lentils should be tender but still hold their shape – mushy lentils will make the stew lose its appealing texture.

Don’t skip the lemon juice at the end, as the acidity brightens all the flavors and prevents the stew from tasting flat or one-dimensional.

This hearty lentil and sausage stew embodies the essence of comfort food – simple ingredients transformed through careful cooking into something deeply satisfying that brings warmth and nourishment to cold days and hungry families gathered around the dinner table.