Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the carrots and celery to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the lentils, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and oregano to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer over medium-low heat.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 380
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 23g
Fiber: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as chorizo or bratwurst.
- If you don't have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or water instead.
- You can use canned lentils instead of dry lentils, but reduce the cooking time to 10-15 minutes.
Variations:
- Add chopped kale or spinach to the stew for extra nutrition.
- Use sweet potatoes or butternut squash instead of carrots for a sweeter flavor.
- Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for extra protein.
Tips and tricks:
- If you want a thicker stew, use more lentils or reduce the amount of chicken broth.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated for an easy weeknight meal.
Storage instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the stew in a pot over medium heat until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the stew in bowls with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
Pairings:
Serve with crusty bread or a side salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the stew is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- If the lentils are not tender after 30-40 minutes, continue cooking until they are.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the sausage is cooked through before adding the other ingredients.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Lentil stew is a traditional dish in many cultures, including Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
This stew is savory and hearty, with a slightly spicy kick from the sausage.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the stew hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
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