Hearty Italian Lentil Stew with Sausage: A Flavorful and Comforting Weeknight Meal

Hearty Italian Lentil Stew with Sausage with crusty bread

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this exquisite Lentil Stew with Sausage recipe. More than just a simple soup, it’s a wonderfully thick, hearty, and incredibly filling stew, brimming with the rich, earthy flavors that define authentic Italian cuisine. This isn’t a dish that demands advanced culinary expertise; its straightforward preparation means you can whip it up in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for those hectic weeknights when you crave something deeply satisfying without the fuss. The harmonious blend of classic Italian seasonings, combined with the subtle sweetness and tang of fire-roasted tomatoes, elevates this stew to a truly irresistible culinary experience.

While a small amount of time is dedicated to chopping the fresh ingredients, the payoff is immense. Once your mise en place is complete, this Italian Lentil Stew with Sausage comes together with remarkable speed. For the ultimate convenience, an Instant Pot can bring this dish to perfection in mere minutes. Alternatively, if you prefer the traditional stovetop method, you can have a steaming pot of this delicious stew ready in approximately 45 minutes. Its efficiency makes it a go-to recipe for families and busy individuals alike, promising a wholesome meal without prolonged kitchen time.

Beyond its quick preparation, this lentil stew excels as a practical and delicious meal prep solution. Prepare a generous batch over the weekend, and you’ll have an array of nourishing lunches or dinners ready for the entire week. It’s perfectly suited for packing in a thermos to take to the office or any workplace, providing a warm, comforting embrace during the colder months. Imagine savoring a spoonful of this robust stew, feeling its warmth spread through you, offering a delightful respite from the chill.

In our household, the true test of any recipe lies with my incredibly discerning husband. For this particular Italian lentil stew, the initial indicator of success is the serene silence that descends upon the dining table as he enjoys his meal. This quiet appreciation is swiftly followed by the sight of a gleaming, empty bowl. The ultimate seal of approval, however, comes with those coveted words: “Really good, dear.” Such a declaration confirms that this recipe is not just good, but truly exceptional, worthy of a permanent spot in our culinary repertoire.

Close-up of Lentil Stew with Sausage served in a bowl

A Complete and Satisfying Meal in Itself!

This Lentil Stew with Sausage is so substantial and flavorful that it truly stands alone as a complete meal. However, for those who enjoy complementing their dishes, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Picture it alongside a crisp, fresh green salad, offering a refreshing contrast to the stew’s richness. A creamy polenta makes an excellent accompaniment, soaking up the savory broth, while a crusty artisan bread is perfect for dipping and ensuring no drop of the delicious stew goes to waste. Together, these elements transform a simple stew into a fabulous, well-rounded dining experience that is both hearty and elegant.

One of the many delights of this stew is how its flavors evolve and deepen over time. Any leftovers are not just “worth the wait”—they are often even more intensely delicious. As the stew cools and rests, all the vibrant Italian flavors have a chance to meld and harmonize, creating a more complex and satisfying profile the next day. This makes it an ideal dish for batch cooking, ensuring you have a delectable meal that only improves with age.

We’d love to hear how you enjoy this stew! Let us know what you’d serve it with in the comment section below!

Lentil Stew with Sausage: Deliciously Healthy and Nutritious!

Beyond its incredible taste and comforting warmth, this Lentil Stew with Sausage is a powerhouse of nutrition, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious. The foundation of this stew—lentils and an array of fresh vegetables—delivers a significant nutritional punch. Lentils are renowned for their high protein content, making this stew a satisfying option for those seeking plant-based protein or looking to reduce meat consumption. Coupled with the vegetables, this dish provides essential Vitamins A and C, crucial for immune health, along with vital minerals like iron and potassium. Furthermore, it’s an excellent source of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health and promoting a feeling of fullness that can aid in weight management.

Remarkably, while being so rich in nutrients, this stew remains delightfully low in fat, contributing to a balanced and wholesome diet. It’s especially beneficial to incorporate this type of nutrient-dense food into your diet during the colder winter months. During this time of year, when our bodies are often more susceptible to illness, choosing foods rich in vitamins and minerals can act as a strong defense, helping to bolster your immune system and keep you feeling your best. Enjoying a bowl of this wholesome stew is not just a treat for your taste buds but a thoughtful investment in your well-being.

A bowl of Italian Lentil Stew with Sausage garnished with fresh parsley

Essential Tips for Perfecting Your Lentil Stew with Sausage

To ensure your Lentil Stew with Sausage turns out perfectly every time, consider these valuable tips and tricks:

Do you have to soak lentils before cooking? Good news for convenience: lentils do not require pre-soaking like many other legumes. However, a thorough rinse (at least twice) under cold water is essential to remove any dust or small debris and ensure a clean taste in your stew.
Want less fat and calories? You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary preferences. For a leaner version, consider omitting the pancetta and Italian sausage entirely, or substitute them with turkey sausage. Keep in mind that these ingredients contribute significantly to the stew’s rich, savory flavor profile, so their removal will subtly alter the overall taste.
What are the best lentils for stew? For a stew where lentils maintain their texture, opt for brown or green lentils. Red lentils tend to break down and become quite mushy, which might not be ideal for a hearty stew where you want distinct components. Many culinary enthusiasts consider lentils imported from Umbria, Italy, to be the finest in the world due to their smaller size and exceptional ability to hold their shape during cooking.
Need to reduce sodium content? To control the salt level, choose reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth/stock. You can even replace part or all of the broth with water, then compensate by increasing the amount of herbs and spices to taste. Also, look for reduced-salt or no-salt-added canned tomatoes and use minimal added salt during cooking, seasoning carefully as you go.
Season as needed throughout the cooking process. The secret to a perfectly flavored stew is constant tasting. Different brands of tomatoes, artichokes, and broth can vary greatly in sodium and sweetness. Therefore, it’s critical to taste the stew repeatedly as it simmers, adjusting the salt and other seasonings until the flavors truly pop and reach their delicious potential.
Adjust your Lentil Stew with Sausage with ingredients that you enjoy more. This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it to your family’s preferences. For example, I often add more carrots for extra sweetness and nutrition, or include tender artichoke hearts for a tangy bite. If kale isn’t your favorite, omit it. Make this stew uniquely yours!
Fire-roasted tomatoes are a must for depth of flavor. The roasting process works magic on vegetables, elevating and enhancing their natural sweetness and depth. Fire-roasted tomatoes possess a distinct, subtly sweet, and smoky flavor that regular canned tomatoes simply cannot replicate. If you can’t find them, use the highest quality whole peeled tomatoes available and roast them yourself in the oven before adding to the stew.
Want additional flavor? For an even richer, more complex taste, try this trick: Heat a small amount of olive oil in your soup pot and sauté diced pancetta for about 7 minutes until crispy before adding any other vegetables. The rendered fat will infuse the entire stew with incredible flavor. Another excellent addition is 1-2 chunks or rinds of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese added directly to the pot while the stew cooks; it will slowly melt and impart a wonderful umami depth.
Need to use a slow cooker? This stew adapts well to a slow cooker. First, sauté the pancetta, sausage, and vegetables (onions, carrots, celery, garlic) on the stovetop to build flavor. Then, transfer all ingredients, including the sautéed elements, lentils, broth, and tomatoes, to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
Do you want more tangy flavor in your stew? If you desire a brighter, more acidic note, consider adding extra chopped artichoke hearts. A splash of red wine vinegar or a dash of Worcestershire sauce stirred in at the end can also provide that delightful tangy kick, balancing the richness of the stew.
Don’t overcook the lentils. Lentils typically require about 20 minutes to cook through. Be mindful not to let them simmer for too long, as overcooked lentils will lose their distinct shape and become incredibly soft and mushy, altering the desired texture of your stew.
Grate fresh parmesan cheese on top of each bowl of soup when serving. The sharp, salty notes of Parmesan beautifully complement the earthy flavors of the stew.
How does this stew freeze for future enjoyment? This stew freezes exceptionally well. For best results, you can prepare and freeze all the uncooked ingredients (except for the broth and spinach/parsley) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator, then proceed with the recipe, adding fresh broth and greens. Cooked stew can also be frozen in individual portions for convenient grab-and-go meals.

Our Recommended Kitchen Tools for Lentil Stew with Sausage

We only show products and tools in this post that we ourselves use and recommend. When you buy from one of these affiliate links, we may earn a tiny commission. Thanks for supporting La Bella Vita Cucina.

Cuisinart 12-Quart Stockpot with Lid, Brushed Stainless

Bellemain Micro-perforated Stainless Steel 5-quart Colander

Why Lentils: A Powerhouse of Nutrition and Flavor

Lentils are an ancient and incredibly versatile legume, central to cuisines around the world, particularly Italian. They are celebrated not only for their delightful earthy flavor and comforting texture but also for their impressive nutritional profile. As an excellent source of plant-based protein, lentils are a fantastic alternative to meat, providing sustained energy and supporting muscle health. Beyond protein, they are packed with dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, blood sugar regulation, and promoting a feeling of fullness, making this stew incredibly satisfying.

Moreover, lentils are rich in essential minerals like iron, critical for oxygen transport in the blood, and potassium, important for heart health and fluid balance. They also offer a good dose of B vitamins, including folate, which plays a key role in cell growth and metabolism. Including lentils in your diet, as in this hearty stew, is a simple yet effective way to boost your nutrient intake and support overall well-being. Their ability to absorb flavors also makes them a perfect canvas for the robust Italian herbs and spices in this recipe.

The Magic of Italian Flavors in Every Spoonful

What truly sets this Lentil Stew with Sausage apart is its vibrant and authentic Italian flavor profile. The magic begins with a classic “sofritto” – a foundational aromatic base of diced onions, carrots, and celery slowly sautéed until sweet and tender. This trio creates a depth of flavor that is then enhanced by fragrant garlic. The chosen herbs, dried oregano, basil, and sage, are quintessential Italian flavors that infuse the stew with warmth, earthiness, and a touch of sweetness.

The addition of savory Italian sausage, whether mild, sweet, or hot, introduces a rich, spicy, or subtly sweet element that complements the lentils beautifully. When combined with the cured, salty notes of pancetta, these meats provide a complex umami foundation. And let’s not forget the fire-roasted tomatoes – their unique smoky sweetness is a game-changer, providing a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness and ties all the robust ingredients together. Each spoonful is a journey through the heart of Italian comfort cuisine, a testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Maximum Enjoyment

This Lentil Stew with Sausage is not just fantastic fresh; it’s also a superb dish for meal planning and batch cooking. For refrigerating, allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, with flavors often improving over time as they meld further. To reheat, gently warm portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out if it has thickened too much.

Freezing is another excellent option for longer storage. Once completely cooled, divide the stew into individual, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw a portion overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed above. This convenient aspect makes the hearty Italian lentil stew a perfect candidate for busy individuals or families looking for quick, nutritious, and delicious meals without the daily cooking effort.

Warm up with any of these delicious Italian soups too:

Italian Wedding Soup (Instant Pot)

Classic Italian Minestrone (Instant Pot)

Pasta e Fagiole (Instant Pot)

Italian Lentil Soup (Instant Pot)

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Pastina Chicken Soup

Lentil Stew with Sausage

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Author: Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Category: Soups
Cuisine: Italian

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Description

This Italian Lentil Stew with Sausage is a truly remarkable dish, perfectly balancing the demands of a busy lifestyle with the desire for a deeply satisfying meal. It’s a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly blends heartiness and health, delivering a symphony of fresh flavors. The stew is rich with the earthy goodness of lentils, a colorful assortment of garden-fresh vegetables, and the savory, aromatic contributions of pancetta and Italian sausage. Infused with a thoughtful blend of traditional Italian herbs, every spoonful offers a comforting and authentic taste experience. Ideal for chilly evenings, this stew is guaranteed to warm you from the inside out and leave you feeling nourished and content.

Ingredients

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2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/3 lb. pancetta (about 6 thick slices), diced
1 lb. Italian sausage (mild, sweet or hot; choose your preference), casings removed
1 medium-large sweet yellow onion, diced (1–1/2 – 2 cups)
4 large carrots, diced
3 large stalks celery, diced (including any leaves for extra flavor)
3 cloves garlic, minced (approximately 1 Tbsp.)
1 cup brown lentils, rinsed (preferably Umbrian lentils for best texture)
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth/stock (low sodium recommended)
2 whole unpeeled zucchini, cut into 1/4” chunks
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 28 oz. cans fire-roasted whole peeled tomatoes (San Marzano if possible), crushed or diced
1/2 lb (about 3 large) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4″ chunks
1 15–oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and roughly diced
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
1 Tbsp. dried oregano
1 Tbsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried sage
1 6–oz. bag baby spinach
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 tsp. salt (or to taste)
Freshly shaved Parmesan cheese for garnish
Fresh Italian parsley sprigs for garnish

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Instructions

Begin by pouring olive oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and place it over a medium-high heat stove burner.
Once the olive oil is shimmering, add the diced pancetta and Italian sausage (removed from casings). Sauté until the meats are nicely browned and cooked through, which should take approximately 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked pancetta and sausage from the pot, leaving the rendered fat behind for flavor. Set the cooked meats aside; you’ll add them back into the pot later.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the “sofritto” vegetables: diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 7 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, until the vegetables begin to soften and become aromatic.
Stir in the minced garlic, then return the cooked pancetta and Italian sausage to the pot. Add the rinsed brown lentils, chicken or vegetable broth/stock, and all the dried herbs (red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, and sage).
Next, incorporate the canned fire-roasted tomatoes (crushed or diced), zucchini chunks, diced green bell pepper, drained and diced artichoke hearts, and the cubed russet potatoes. If using, add 1-2 chunks or rinds of Parmigiano cheese to the pot for added depth of flavor.
Increase the heat and bring the stew to a gentle boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes and lentils are tender but still hold their shape and are not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Uncover the pot and stir in the baby spinach and chopped fresh Italian parsley. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until the spinach has just wilted and the parsley is fragrant.
Taste the stew and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember that broth, tomatoes, and sausage can vary in saltiness, so adjust carefully to your preference until the flavors are perfectly balanced.
Ladle the hearty Italian Lentil Stew with Sausage into bowls. Garnish each serving generously with freshly shaved Parmigiano cheese and a sprig of fresh Italian parsley for a beautiful presentation and added flavor. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

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