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5 from 1 vote

French Lentil Stew with Sausage

Start the new year off right with this hearty and healthy French Lentil Stew with Sausage. It's the perfect winter weeknight meal to warm you up!
Servings 4 to 6 servings
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
  • 3 stalks celery peeled and diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 teaspoons salt divided
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 2 tablespoons Sherry vinegar
  • 1 1/4 cups French green lentils rinsed
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 3 small tomatoes halved
  • 1 pound smoked sausage such as kielbasa
  • 8 ounces mixed baby greens or Mesclun
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • crusty bread for serving

Instructions

  • Place a large dutch oven, over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once hot, add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the bay leaves, fresh thyme and season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Once the vegetables have softened, stir in the tomato paste, cooking for about 30 seconds to develop its flavor. Stir in the white wine and vinegar and simmer until the liquid has evaporated. Add the lentils and the chicken stock. Bring to a simmer over low heat and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the stew has thickened, and the lentils have softened, about 30 to 35 minutes. If the liquid evaporates too much, and the lentils aren't soft yet, stir in a bit of hot water.
  • Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Place the tomato halves, cut side up, onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt, pepper and fresh thyme. Roast until softened and slightly charred, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  • Preheat a stove-top or outdoor grill to about medium heat. Once hot, grill the sausage until charred all around, about 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and allow to rest slightly. Cut each sausage in half and then slice, without cutting all the way through. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, toss together the greens with the remaining tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper until evenly combined.
  • To serve, pour the lentil stew into serving bowls and top each with the roasted tomatoes, a small amount of seasoned greens and the grilled sausage. Top with parsley right before serving. Enjoy!
Author: The Candid Appetite