Piece of life
I won’t hide the fact that I got a little discouraged this morning while shovelling snow from my car… winter is definitely on our doorstep ! But who says cold says comfort food and there’s nothing like a delicious stew of lentils and smoked sausages to face the falling temperatures. This old classic, who cradled my childhood, is always a great success. Smoked sausages give an irresistible taste to any dishes, and the kids of course love them… it even make them forget the « ugly » carrots that they hate so much.
About the stew
Nothing difficult here again. I use a pressure cooker, but you could use a regular pan, an Instant pot, or even a slow cooker. You will only need to adjust the cooking time according to the pan you use.
I always vary the type of lentils, green, brown… they all do the trick [except for the red ones, they cook way faster]. But my little favorite is the Beluga variety. This little lentil, nicknamed the « caviar of lentils » because of its color and shape, is from Canada. Always better to use a local product ! However it is not always easy to find and it is a little more expensive than other lentils [though still affordable]. Organic stores tend to have it more easily.
In France we tend to eat it as it, but since my Brazilian hubby came into my life I now always serve it with some rice. South americans and their famous « rice and beans » had to apply here, and I have to say it does get well together.

Lentil & smoked sausage stew
Équipements
Ingredients
- 450 g dried lentils
- 2 large smoked sausages (like french Morteau sausage)
- 4 carrots diced
- 1 onion minced
- 2 bay leaves
- olive oil
- water
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils under cold water, and drain.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in the pot. Fry the onion for 1 to 2 minutes, then add the carrots. Fry again for another 2 minutes.
- Add the lentils, sausages, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Add water up to cover the lentils.
- Close the pot and cook for 15 min when the pot is under pressure (or depending on the type of pan you are using, it will be longer with a traditional pan, shorter with an Instant pot).
- Before serving, remove any excess water and remove the bay leaves.