Italian Hearty Lentil Stew with Sausages Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
For the Stew:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice), casings removed
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups spinach (or kale), chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
👩‍🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausages:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Make the Stew Base:
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), rinsed lentils, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, thyme, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Return the Sausage:
Once the lentils are cooked, return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Add the Greens:
Add the chopped spinach (or kale) to the stew and stir until wilted. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve:
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve the stew with crusty bread for dipping or a side of roasted vegetables.
đź’ˇ Tips:
Sausage Varieties: You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference. For a leaner version, use turkey or chicken sausage.
Make it Vegetarian: To make this stew vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. You can also use a plant-based sausage if desired.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, parsnips, or potatoes to make the stew even heartier.
Leftovers: This stew gets even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Italian Hearty Lentil Stew with Sausages is the perfect comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. It's great for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead. Enjoy! 🍲🌿