Hearty Sausage and Lentil Stew

This Hearty Sausage and Lentil Stew is a warming, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for cosy dinners or batch cooking. Made with traditional pork sausages, tender lentils, and a rich tomato-based broth, it’s a satisfying one-pot meal bursting with flavour. Easy to make and even better the next day, this stew is ideal for feeding a crowd or stocking your fridge and freezer with comfort food. Pair it with crusty bread or creamy mash for the ultimate hearty feast.

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp olive oil
8 traditional pork sausages
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
2 celery sticks, diced
1 red pepper, chopped (optional)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp ground cumin
200g dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
400g tin chopped tomatoes
500ml chicken or vegetable stock (plus extra if needed)
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper, to taste
A handful of fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

METHOD

Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pot or casserole over medium heat. Add the sausages and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet).
In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and red pepper (if using) until softened, about 8–10 minutes.
Stir in the smoked paprika, thyme, and cumin, cooking for another minute to release the spices’ aromas.
Add the lentils to the pot, followed by the chopped tomatoes, stock, tomato purée, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Return the sausages to the pot, nestling them into the lentil mixture. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 40–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check the lentils for tenderness. If the stew is too thick, add a little more stock. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of colour and freshness.

Shop for Ingredients

Rare Breed Pork Cumberland Sausages (450g)

£4.95

Add to Cart

Rare Breed Pork Sausages (450g)

£4.95

Add to Cart

Sides and Matches for Hearty Sausage and Lentil Stew

Sides

Crusty Bread: Warm, rustic bread like a baguette or sourdough is perfect for soaking up the rich, flavourful broth.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and smooth contrast to the hearty stew.
Steamed Green Veggies: Lightly steamed kale, green beans, or tenderstem broccoli add a fresh and vibrant element.
Rice or Couscous: Serve the stew over fluffy rice or couscous for a filling and satisfying base.
Polenta: Creamy or grilled polenta adds a lovely, slightly nutty flavour that pairs beautifully with the rich stew.
Roasted Root Vegetables: Caramelised parsnips, sweet potatoes, or beets work well alongside the dish.
Simple Side Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew.

Matches

Cheese: Serve with a side of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta to sprinkle on top of the stew for added savouriness.
Pickles: Pickled onions or gherkins bring a tangy, acidic counterpoint to the dish's richness.
Herb Garnishes: Chopped parsley, dill, or chives provide a burst of freshness.
Lemon Wedges: Squeezing a bit of lemon juice over the stew just before serving brightens the flavours.
Crème Fraîche or Yoghurt: A dollop of these adds a creamy, cooling element to the dish.

Related Recipes & Guides

Classic Irish Stew with Pork Collar

Spanish-Style Pork Stew

Pork Cheek Ragu

Recipe Collections

See more of our recipes and guides here

Grid Iron Gourmet

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Hot Tips

For extra depth, add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce when adding the lentils.
If using pre-cooked sausages, add them during the last 20 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
Substitute lentils with tinned beans if you want a quicker preparation.

Pairings

Alcoholic Options

Red Wine:
- Syrah/Shiraz: Its bold, peppery notes complement the smoky paprika and earthy lentils.
- Malbec: Full-bodied with hints of dark fruit, it pairs beautifully with the richness of the stew.
- Tempranillo: A Spanish red with earthy and savoury notes that mirror the dish’s flavours.
Beer:
- Malty Ale: A classic amber ale or brown ale enhances the hearty, savoury flavours of the stew.
- Stout: A smooth, rich stout adds depth to the meal.
- Lager: A light, crisp lager balances the dish’s richness and refreshes the palate.
Cider:
- Dry Apple Cider: Its tartness cuts through the richness and complements the pork sausages.
- Pear Cider: Slightly sweet and fruity, it pairs wonderfully with the earthy lentils.
Spirits:
- Whisky Highball: A light whisky mixed with soda adds a smoky, refreshing element.
- Gin and Tonic: Bright and citrusy, it contrasts nicely with the stew’s deep flavours.

Non-Alcoholic Options

Sparkling Water with Lemon or Lime: Adds a refreshing, clean note to balance the hearty meal.
Apple Juice: A chilled, unsweetened apple juice echoes the cider’s fruity tartness.
Tomato Juice: Add a dash of black pepper for a savoury, robust pairing.
Herbal Tea: A mint or chamomile tea works well to cleanse the palate.
Iced Tea: Lightly sweetened black tea, served cold, provides a subtle contrast.

FREE UK MAINLAND DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £50