Savory Sausage And Lentil Stew
A hearty and savory sausage and lentil stew packed with robust flavors, perfect for comforting dinners and suitable for those who enjoy rich, protein-packed vegetarian options.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dry lentils
- 5 c. water ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. allspice
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz. Polish or German sausage, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 medium onions, cut into small wedges ⓘ
- 2 c. tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 tsp. barbecue sauce concentrate ⓘ
Instructions
- Sift through and rinse lentils, picking out any stones or shriveled lentils.
- Place lentils in a pot with water and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 35 minutes until lentils are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the sausage before adding it to the pot. If you prefer a vegetarian option, smoked tempeh can replace the sausage. Adjust seasoning levels according to your taste, and feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition. If using canned lentils, reduce the cooking time significantly.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew is perfect on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of garlic bread for sopping up the rich broth. A fresh green salad can add a nice contrast. For a twist, serve it alongside Scalloped Potatoes With Sauerkraut for a filling meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. To reheat, use a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the stew is too thick. Alternatively, use the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Sausage And Lentil Stew contains roughly 1196 calories, with 43g protein, 286g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (386% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 528mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of lentils for this recipe?
Yes, while green or brown lentils work best for their texture, you can use red lentils for a quicker-cooking option. However, red lentils will break down more and create a thicker stew.
How spicy is this stew?
This stew is not spicy as written but has a warm, aromatic flavor from the allspice and thyme. If you prefer heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to your taste.
Can I freeze the stew?
Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).