Imagine coming home to a warm, hearty meal that practically cooks itself - no culinary magic required! This incredibly easy Crock Pot Lentils with Chicken Sausage and Spinach is about to become your new go-to recipe for those busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Packed with protein, nutrients, and mouthwatering seasonings, this one-pot wonder will transform your dinner routine from mundane to magnificent in just a few simple steps.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or small stones, then drain completely.
- Prepare the vegetables by finely chopping the onion, dicing the carrots, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized rounds approximately 1/2 inch thick.
- Add the rinsed lentils to the crock pot, followed by the sliced chicken sausage, chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are mostly submerged.
- Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and black pepper evenly across the mixture, gently stirring to distribute seasonings.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat, cooking for 6 hours until lentils are tender and sausage is fully cooked.
- During the final 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt into the dish.
- Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt and pepper to preference.
- Serve hot directly from the crock pot, ensuring each serving contains a good mix of lentils, sausage, and vegetables.
Tips
- Always rinse your lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and prevent potential grittiness in your final dish.
- For extra flavor depth, consider briefly sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the crock pot to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to better control the salt content of your meal.
- Choose high-quality chicken sausage for the best flavor profile - look for varieties with interesting seasonings like herb or sun-dried tomato.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can leave the lid slightly ajar during the last hour of cooking to allow some moisture to evaporate.
- Fresh spinach adds a wonderful nutritional boost, but you can substitute with kale or Swiss chard for variety.
- This recipe freezes beautifully - portion into containers for quick future meals that reheat perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
