This lentil and chicken sausage stew is a hearty, protein-rich meal made with tender brown lentils, savory chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, and warming spices.
Simmered in a flavorful chicken broth, the ingredients come together to create a thick, creamy stew with a satisfying texture.
The recipe takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from preparation to serving, making it a comforting option for a family dinner or meal prep.
Pureeing the cooked lentils gives the stew its creamy consistency without requiring cream or other dairy products.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
- Course: Main Course
- Calories: 495 per serving
Ingredients
For the Lentils
- 1 ½ cups dry brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 3 cups water
For the Stew
- 5 links pre-cooked chicken sausage, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ large yellow onion, finely diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium plum tomatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
For the Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan with a lid
- Large cooking pot
- Food processor or blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Brown Lentils
Rinse the lentils under cool running water and drain thoroughly. Bring the water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the lentils and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Cover the saucepan and cook for 25–30 minutes, or until the lentils are completely tender. Check occasionally to ensure the water has not evaporated too quickly. Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat.
Step 2: Puree the Lentils
Transfer the tender lentils to a food processor or blender. Process until they form a smooth, thick paste. If necessary, add a small amount of the cooking liquid to help the lentils blend evenly.
Set the puree aside while preparing the other ingredients. This step gives the finished stew a naturally thick consistency and helps the flavors combine throughout the broth.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in ¼ cup of chicken broth and continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes. Stir as the onion softens, making sure the garlic does not burn.
Step 4: Add the Spices
Sprinkle the turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and red pepper flakes into the pot. Stir thoroughly to coat the aromatics and allow the spices to release their fragrance in the warm oil and broth.
Add the diced plum tomatoes and another ½ cup of chicken broth. Mix well, cover the pot, and cook for 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
Step 5: Combine the Lentils and Broth
Pour the remaining chicken broth into the pot and stir to combine it with the tomato and spice mixture.
Gradually add the pureed lentils, a little at a time, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue mixing until the puree is evenly incorporated and the broth becomes thick and creamy.
Step 6: Add the Chicken Sausage
Stir the cubed pre-cooked chicken sausage into the lentil mixture. Make sure the sausage pieces are distributed evenly throughout the pot.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the thick stew from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once the sausage is heated through and the flavors have melded, remove the pot from the heat.
Allow the stew to rest for about 2 minutes before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy while warm.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Choose the Right Lentils
Brown lentils are ideal for this recipe because they soften well during cooking and blend into a thick puree. Rinse them thoroughly before boiling to remove any dust or debris.
Check for tenderness before blending, as undercooked lentils will produce a grainy texture.
Prevent the Garlic from Burning
Garlic cooks quickly, especially in hot oil. Stir it frequently with the onion and avoid leaving the mixture unattended. If the pot becomes too hot, lower the heat before adding the broth.
Add the Lentil Puree Gradually
Incorporating the puree in small portions helps create a smooth, evenly thickened stew. Whisk continuously as you add it, and avoid pouring all the puree into the pot at once.
Adjust the Consistency
The finished stew should be thick but easy to ladle. If it becomes too thick during simmering, add a little extra broth or water and stir until the desired consistency is reached. For a thicker result, simmer uncovered briefly while stirring regularly.
Use Pre-Cooked Sausage
Pre-cooked chicken sausage makes preparation easier because it only needs to be heated through. Cut the links into similar-sized pieces so they warm evenly and are easy to serve.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Chicken Sausage Stew
For additional heat, use jalapeño-flavored chicken sausage in place of the regular variety. You can also increase the amount of red pepper flakes slightly, depending on your preferred spice level.
Garlic Chicken Sausage Stew
Choose garlic-flavored chicken sausage to intensify the savory flavor. This variation works particularly well with the onion, fresh garlic, cumin, and turmeric already included in the recipe.
Vegan Lentil Stew
To make a plant-based version, replace the chicken sausage with cubed firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Choose a plant-based sausage alternative if you prefer a texture closer to the original. Check that the seasoning ingredients are suitable for your dietary requirements.
Slow Cooker Adaptation
For a slow cooker version, cook the lentils separately until tender and puree them as directed. Sauté the onion and garlic with the spices before transferring them to the slow cooker along with the tomatoes, broth, lentil puree, and sausage.
Cook on low until the flavors are well combined and the sausage is heated through. Avoid leaving the stew on high heat for an extended period, as the thickened lentils can stick to the cooker.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot in individual bowls as a filling main course. Crusty bread, toasted sourdough, or warm flatbread makes a useful accompaniment for scooping up the thick lentil base.
For a lighter meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. The stew can also be served over a small portion of cooked rice if you prefer a more substantial dinner.
Nutrition Facts
The following nutritional values are approximate and based on one serving when the recipe is divided into four portions.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 495 kcal | — |
| Total Fat | 14 g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g | 19% |
| Cholesterol | 68 mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 1,020 mg | 44% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 54 g | 20% |
| Dietary Fiber | 24 g | 84% |
| Total Sugars | 6 g | — |
| Protein | 36 g | 73% |
| Vitamin C | 13 mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 72 mg | 6% |
| Iron | 6 mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 896 mg | 19% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Actual nutritional content may vary depending on the chicken sausage brand and specific ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
Lentil and chicken sausage stew is a practical, satisfying meal that combines pantry staples, fresh vegetables, and convenient pre-cooked protein.
The pureed lentils provide a creamy base, while the warm spices and tomatoes bring depth to every spoonful.
Whether served as a weeknight dinner or prepared ahead for easy lunches, this hearty stew is a flexible recipe that can be adapted to different tastes and dietary needs.
