This sausage and lentils recipe is a warming, budget-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s based on Nigella Lawson’s version from Nigella Bites, which traditionally uses Italian sausages and a splash of red wine. Here, we’ve swapped the wine for stock to keep things simple and cost-effective, and good, meaty sausages from your butcher work just as well as Italian ones.
One of the best things about this dish is that the lentils can be cooked ahead of time, so all you need to do at dinnertime is brown the sausages and bring everything together. It’s hearty, filling, and a great way to get some extra veg and protein into a family meal.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 500 g dried Puy lentils
- 8 large sausage links
- 100 ml chicken stock
- 50 ml water
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- fresh parsley, roughly chopped, to serve
Method
1. Heat 2 or 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan (one with a lid) over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sprinkle with salt, which helps prevent it from browning. Cook for 10 minutes, or until soft.
2. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute. Stir in the lentils, then cover generously with cold water. Bring to the boil, cover, and simmer gently for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked and most, if not all, of the liquid has been absorbed.
3. When the lentils are nearly ready (or when you’re reheating them if made in advance), heat a little olive oil in a heavy-based frying pan and brown the sausages on all sides — this will take about 5 minutes. Add the stock and water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a little more water if the sauce is too strong.
4. Spoon the lentils into a shallow bowl or dish, then top with the sausages and their sauce. Scatter over some fresh flat-leaf parsley to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the lentils in advance?
Yes — the lentils can be cooked ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve, which makes this a handy option for busy evenings.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Definitely. While the original recipe calls for Italian sausages, good-quality sausages from your local butcher work just as well.
Can I freeze this dish?
The sausage and lentil mixture can be frozen once cooled. Reheat thoroughly until piping hot before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s a mild, family-friendly dish. You can adjust the seasoning to suit younger palates.
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Looking for more sausage recipes the whole family will enjoy? Try our Homemade Sausages or Honey Sesame Sausages for more tasty dinner inspiration.
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