Spicy Sausage And Lentil Stew
A hearty and flavorful lentil stew infused with spices and savory sausage, perfect for comforting dinners and suitable for those who enjoy bold, warming flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dry lentils
- 1 small bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. dried crushed savory ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. dried crushed thyme ⓘ
- 1 lb. Polish or German sausage ⓘ
- 2 medium onions
- 2 c. tomato juice ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. molasses ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, combine lentils, 5 cups of water, bay leaf, salt, garlic salt, dry mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, crushed savory, and crushed thyme.
- Bring to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 35 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook sausage and onions until meat is lightly browned.
- Add cooked sausage and onions to the stew along with tomato juice, molasses, and tomato sauce.
- Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked sausage instead of Polish or German sausage. You can also enhance the flavor by sautéing the spices briefly before adding the lentils. If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot before serving. Pair this with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a balanced meal. For a twist, serve it with a side of Apricot Kielbasa to complement the spices in the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it if necessary. Stir occasionally until heated through, or microwave in a covered bowl, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Sausage And Lentil Stew contains roughly 200 calories, with 4g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (120% of the Daily Value), calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1109mg per serving (48% 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 canned lentils instead of dry lentils?
Yes, you can use canned lentils for convenience. Drain and rinse them before adding to the stew. Reduce the cooking time to just 10 minutes after adding them to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for sausage in this recipe?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can use plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a similar texture. For a lighter alternative, consider using turkey sausage, which will still provide great flavor.
How spicy is this stew?
The stew's spiciness largely depends on the type of sausage used. If you prefer a milder dish, opt for a sweet sausage or adjust the spices according to your taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little extra heat.
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).