Lentil and Sausage Stew
Lentil and sausage stew is an easy, healthy recipe you can make for your family. Stovetop, crock pot, and make ahead freezer instructions are included. Need this to be vegan or vegetarian? We've got you covered. This simple, flavorful recipe is sure to be a hit with your family.
Servings: 8 cups
Calories: 322kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 ounces kielbasa sausage cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 ¼ cup onion chopped
- 1 cup carrots chopped (3 medium carrots)
- 1 cup celery chopped (3 medium stalks)
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 28 ounces canned petite diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Stovetop Instructions
- Heat up the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat for 2 minutes, then add the cut up sausage and brown for 4 minutes. Remove from the pot and set it aside in another bowl.
- Saute the onion, carrots, and celery for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the dried spices and let them bloom for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the beef broth, rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Stir until well combined.
- Cover and bring the soup mixture to a boil, roughly 6 minutes, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring once. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Add browned sausage. Cover and simmer for another 15 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, Greek yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of red wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon. Serve hot with a slice of thick crusty bread.
Crock Pot Instructions
- Follow steps 1 to 3 under the stovetop instructions. These steps add a lot more flavor to the stew.
- Dump everything in the crock pot and stir. Cover and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of olive oil. If you want your lentil stew to be a bit tangy, add a splash of red wine vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice at the very end of cooking.
Freezer Meal Instructions
- Do all the prep work. Cut up the vegetables and the kielbasa sausage, then measure out the dried spices into a sandwich bag.
- Place all the uncooked ingredients, except the broth, in a freezer friendly container. Label with the date it the day it was assembled. If you want, tape the crock pot instructions to the plastic lid, or note it was from Savor the Flavour to look at the recipe on your smart phone or tablet.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge or sit in a 9x13-inch pan filled with hot water. This should loosen the uncooked ingredients from the container.
- Follow the instructions for making on the stovetop or in the crock pot and add in the beef broth.
Notes
- What are the best lentils? Use brown or green; red is too mushy.
- Want extra veggies? Try butternut squash, potatoes, kale, or spinach.
- Want it more tangy? Just before serving the lentil and sausage stew add a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice.
- Need to use a slow cooker? Saute sausage and veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low 7 to 8 hours.
- Want this for a freezer meal? Freeze everything uncooked for the lentil and sausage stew, except the broth, for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge or under hot water, then cook on the stovetop or in the crock pot.
Nutrition
Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 1213mg | Potassium: 871mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 3135IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 5mg
