Save A warming, rustic casserole featuring tender lentils, savory sausages, and aromatic vegetables baked together for a comforting, protein-rich meal.
I first made this casserole on a rainy weekend when comfort food was all we wanted. The blend of lentils with herbed sausages made it a family favorite for nourishing weeknight dinners.
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Ingredients
- Pork sausages: 4 large sausages (about 400 g), preferably herbed or smoked
- Dried lentils: 1 1/2 cups (300 g) green or brown lentils, rinsed
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Carrots: 2, peeled and diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g / 14 oz)
- Bay leaf: 1
- Thyme: 2 sprigs fresh (or 1 tsp dried)
- Parsley: 2 tbsp chopped fresh, for garnish
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 3 cups (720 ml), low-sodium
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper: To taste
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Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Set oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brown sausages:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large ovenproof casserole on medium heat. Add sausages and cook on all sides about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add remaining olive oil to the casserole. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add aromatics:
- Stir in garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add lentils and liquids:
- Pour in lentils, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, and broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine and season:
- Nestle browned sausages into the mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake:
- Cover and transfer to oven. Bake for 50–60 minutes until lentils are tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Finish:
- Remove from oven, discard bay leaf and thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish:
- Scatter chopped parsley before serving.
Save This dish gets requested for Sunday family dinners, especially when the kids help sprinkle parsley just before serving.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the tomato-rich juices. A robust red wine pairs perfectly for adults.
Make It Vegetarian
Swap the sausages for smoked tofu or plant-based sausages, and proceed as usual for a meat-free version.
Extra Greens
Stir in chopped kale or spinach in the last 10 minutes of baking for an added nutrition and vibrant color boost.
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This casserole is a meal-in-one that delivers comfort every time. Enjoy the leftovers or freeze for future busy nights!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute different sausages?
Yes, herbed or smoked pork sausages are recommended, but you can use chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausages for variation.
- → How should I prepare the lentils for baking?
Rinse lentils thoroughly before using. No need to soak; they will cook fully during the baking process with the broth.
- → What vegetables complement this dish?
Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic provide a flavorful base. You can also add kale or spinach near the end for extra greens.
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
It’s ideal for preparing ahead; simply reheat gently in the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- → What sides pair well with this casserole?
Crusty bread and a robust red wine complement the hearty flavors and texture perfectly.
