Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure that transports you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy? This Italian Sausages and Lentils recipe is not just a meal—it's a warm, hearty embrace that combines the rich, robust flavors of perfectly browned sausages with the earthy, nutritious goodness of tender lentils. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a dish that promises to become an instant family favorite, delivering a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausages
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and drain, removing any small stones or debris.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the Italian sausages on all sides until they develop a golden-brown crust, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove sausages and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and the onions turn translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and thyme to the vegetables, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Return the browned sausages to the pot and add the rinsed lentils and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit more chicken broth.
- Once lentils are cooked and sausages are fully heated through, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausages for the best flavor—look for ones with a good balance of herbs and spice.
- Don't rush the sausage browning process; developing a golden crust adds depth to the entire dish.
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and ensure a clean, pure taste.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level of your dish.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of red wine when sautéing vegetables.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and lentils to absorb remaining liquid.
- Fresh herbs like parsley can brighten the final dish, so don't skip the optional garnish.
- This recipe is incredibly forgiving—feel free to adjust seasonings to your personal taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
