Are you ready to indulge in a hearty and comforting dish that warms both the soul and the belly? Our Slow Cooker Lentils Sausage recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that combines the rich, savory taste of sausage with the wholesome goodness of lentils. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires just 15 minutes of prep time and then lets your slow cooker do all the magic! With each bite, you'll experience a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. Trust us, this is one recipe you won't want to miss!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound lentils, rinsed
- 1 pound sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or small stones, then drain completely.
- Slice the sausage into half-inch thick rounds, ensuring even cooking and good distribution throughout the dish.
- Peel and finely chop the onion, creating uniform pieces that will distribute flavor evenly.
- Wash and dice the carrots into small, consistent cubes to ensure even cooking and texture.
- Place the rinsed lentils into the slow cooker as the base layer of the recipe.
- Layer the sliced sausage over the lentils, distributing them evenly across the surface.
- Add the chopped onions and diced carrots on top of the sausage and lentils.
- Sprinkle the dried thyme over the ingredients, providing an aromatic herb flavor.
- Pour the vegetable broth carefully over all ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, gently stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat for 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to become tender.
- After cooking time is complete, stir the mixture gently to redistribute ingredients and check seasoning.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and sauce to thicken.
Tips
- Rinse the Lentils: Always rinse your lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or stones. This step ensures a clean and delicious dish.
- Slicing the Sausage: Cut the sausage into half-inch thick rounds for even cooking. This not only helps with cooking but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully with the lentils.
- Chop Uniformly: When chopping your onions and carrots, aim for uniform pieces. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and contributes to the overall texture of the dish.
- Layering Matters: Start with the lentils at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the sausage, onions, and carrots. This layering helps to build flavor as the ingredients cook together.
- Herb Infusion: Don’t skimp on the thyme! Sprinkling it over the top of the ingredients allows its aromatic flavor to infuse throughout the dish as it cooks.
- Season to Taste: After cooking, taste your dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This final touch can elevate the flavors significantly!
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken, making each serving even more satisfying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 399kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
