Hearty Lentils and Sausage Stew with Rosemary and Sage

Lentils and Sausage: A Hearty One-Pot Meal

Category: One-Pot Dishes
Servings: 4
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Begin by finely chopping the carrot, celery, and onion to make the base for your soffritto. This step is essential for bringing out the deep flavors in the dish, so be sure to chop everything evenly for uniform cooking. Also, rinse the dried lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris.

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2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot with a thick base, ideally a cast-iron one, for even heat distribution. Once hot, add the finely chopped vegetables and cook them on low heat for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they soften and become aromatic, but take care not to brown them.

3. Add the Sausage:
   While the soffritto is cooking, finely chop the sage leaves and rosemary. After 10 minutes, add the sausages to the pot, breaking them up with a wooden spoon. Season with the freshly chopped herbs, allowing the flavors to infuse the sausage as it browns. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes.

4. Deglaze the Pan:
   Once the sausage is browned, pour in the white wine. Stir the mixture, allowing the wine to evaporate and combine with the sausage and vegetables. This step adds depth to the dish, enhancing the flavors. Wait for the alcohol to cook off and the wine to reduce slightly.

5. Add the Lentils and Tomato:
   Now, add the well-rinsed lentils to the pot, stirring to incorporate them into the mix. Pour in the tomato passata, mixing everything thoroughly to ensure the lentils are well-coated in the sauce. The passata will lend a rich, tomatoey base to the dish, creating a hearty sauce as the lentils cook.

6. Simmer:
   Pour in the water, season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir everything together. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 40-50 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the sausage and herbs. Make sure to check on it occasionally, adding a little more water if necessary to keep the lentils submerged in the cooking liquid.

7. Final Adjustments:
   Once the lentils are fully cooked and tender, give the dish a final taste. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. The lentils should be soft but still have a bit of bite, and the sausage should be fully integrated into the sauce, creating a flavorful, one-pot wonder.

8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Ladle the lentils and sausage into bowls, ensuring a generous portion of the savory sauce with each serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce or with a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Tips for Success:

• Herb Substitution: If fresh rosemary and sage are not available, feel free to use dried herbs instead, but reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer your dish with a bit of heat.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian alternative, swap the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for flavor and texture.

This hearty, rustic dish is perfect for cozy dinners and provides a balance of rich flavors from the sausage, tomato, and herbs, complemented by the earthy lentils. Its simplicity and depth of taste make it an ideal recipe to prepare on chilly evenings. Enjoy!