Hearty Lentil and Sausage Simmer – Delicious Dinner Recipe
Are you looking for a hearty and satisfying dish that will warm up your soul during those cold winter nights? Then look no further than this homemade Lincolnshire Sausage & Lentil Simmer recipe! As an Israeli chef who is inspired by global cuisine, I have developed a deep appreciation for the rich flavors and textures of British cuisine, and this dish is no exception.
Come with me on a culinary journey where we combine the savory taste of Lincolnshire pork sausages with the nutritious goodness of lentils, creating a one-of-a-kind taste sensation that will leave your taste buds yearning for more. With the addition of aromatic herbs like fresh rosemary and flat-leaf parsley, along with mouth-watering ingredients like pancetta and garlic, this recipe provides a perfect balance of flavors that is sure to please even the most discriminating palate.
So whether you are enjoying a cozy evening at home or entertaining guests, this Lincolnshire Sausage & Lentil Simmer Recipe will be sure to delight. Don’t wait- let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lincolnshire Sausage & Lentil Simmer Recipe is a perfect dish for those who love hearty and comforting food. Here are some reasons why I believe that you will love this recipe:
Firstly, the combination of the juicy sausages with the earthy lentils creates a fantastic flavor profile that is both rich and satisfying. It’s a great way to use up leftover sausages or to make use of your pantry staples.
Secondly, the addition of vegetables like onions, carrots, and rosemary gives the dish extra depth and complexity, adding a wholesome and healthy aspect without skimping on flavor.
Thirdly, it’s an effortless recipe that requires minimal effort – it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want a filling meal.
Finally, it’s a great alternative to traditional sausage casseroles. The combination of the soupy lentils and grilled sausages lends a unique twist to this more classic recipe. With its robust flavor and hearty appeal, this Lincolnshire Sausage & Lentil Simmer Recipe is sure to become one of your go-to dishes for any occasion.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to make Lincolnshire Sausage & Lentil Simmer Recipe:
Main Ingredients
- 2 packets Lincolnshire pork sausages (approx. 1 lb)
- 130g packet of cubed pancetta or dried bacon (or a mix of both)
- 130g packet of red lentils (rinsed and drained)
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 onions, roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
- 1 large carrot, peeled and cubed
- 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
Herbs and Spices
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped for garnish (optional)
Broth/Stock
- Chicken stock or vegetable stock (enough to cover the ingredients in the pot)
Cooking Oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
You can find most of these ingredients in your local grocery store. Grab everything from the shelves before heading back to your kitchen to start preparing the dish!
The Recipe How-To
Here’s how I make my Lincolnshire Sausage & Lentil Simmer, perfect for a cozy and hearty evening meal. This recipe feeds about 4 people and takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to make.
Ingredients
Make sure you have prepared the following ingredients:
- 2 packets of Lincolnshire pork sausages
- 130g packet cubed pancetta or dried bacon (2 packets)
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and cubed
- 200g lentils (I like to use red lentils for this recipe but green would work fine)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar
- 500ml chicken stock
Step-by-step Instructions
- Heat up a large casserole with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cubed pancetta/bacon and cook for 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Add the chopped onions and cook for another 5 minutes or until they turn soft.
- Add sliced garlic and cubed carrot to the pan and stir everything up.
- Next, add the two packets of Lincolnshire pork sausages, let them cook for around 10 minutes, turning them regularly to get all sides golden brown.
- Same goes for the lentils. Add them to the pan alongside a can of chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, fresh rosemary sprigs, and white wine vinegar. Bring it gently to a simmer over low heat.
- Leave it cooking on low heat until everything is tender enough and well-married in flavors (normally up to 30 minutes), stirring it occasionally.
- When it’s ready, remove from heat and serve into bowls or plates.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the greatest things about this Lincolnshire sausage & lentil simmer recipe is its flexibility. You can substitute some ingredients or add variations to make it your own.
First, if you cannot find Lincolnshire sausages, you can use any good-quality sausages that are readily available to you. Some excellent options include Toulouse sausage, spicy sausage, smoked sausage, or even Italian sausage.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using red lentils instead of pork sausages. For a vegan version, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and olive oil instead of butter.
You can also add extra vegetables such as celery, cauliflower or spinach. One essential ingredient you shouldn’t skip is the rosemary as it adds an overall flavor to the dish.
For those who prefer a healthier version of this recipe, consider swapping out smoked bacon with turkey bacon or omitting it altogether for a less fatty stew.
Additionally, if you want a slightly sweeter taste in your lentil stew, feel free to add some chunks of apple with the lentils instead of meat. You can also experiment by adding alternative spices like apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar.
Overall, this versatile recipe is quick and easy to make with substitutions and variations that suit every taste preference. Give it a shot and enjoy your delicious Lincolnshire sausage & lentil casserole.
Serving and Pairing
This hearty sausage and lentil simmer recipe is a one-pot wonder, perfect for a cozy evening indoors. The dish is best served hot, fresh off the stove, making it ideal for winter nights when you need something filling and satisfying.
To enhance the flavors in this dish, serve it alongside a slice of crusty bread or fluffy rice. The red lentils offer a creaminess that complements the bold flavors of the Lincolnshire sausages and pancetta, while the aromatic rosemary, garlic and parsley add depth to the dish.
If you crave a bit of heat, try pairing this recipe with a spicy sausage or drizzling hot sauce over the top. For those who prefer sweetness, apple cider or a crisp white wine can help balance out the saltiness of the pork.
This lentil stew can also make a great main course on its own, but if you’re looking to add some variety to your meal, serve it as a side with roasted vegetables or alongside a salad.
Overall, this versatile recipe pairs well with many comfort foods and can be adapted to fit any dinner table. So bring out your favorite plates and enjoy this delicious Lincolnshire Sausage & Lentil Simmer Recipe with your loved ones.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This delicious Lincolnshire Sausage & Lentil Simmer recipe is perfect for those who want to plan ahead or have leftovers. You can easily make it ahead of time or store it for subsequent meals.
If you plan to prepare this dish in advance, the lentil simmer can be made and refrigerated for up to three days before reheating. When ready, simply reheat the dish in a pan or microwave until hot, and then garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Storing this sausage lentil simmer recipe is also a breeze. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for up to six months. When freezing the dish, it’s best to portion it out into individual servings for easy reheating later on.
To reheat the dish from frozen, simply move it from the freezer to the fridge overnight to thaw before reheating in a microwave or on the stove. If reheating on the stove, add chicken stock or water as needed while stirring intermittently to keep the lentils from sticking to the pot.
As with any leftover dish, make sure reheated sausage lentil simmer reaches 165°F (74°C) before consuming. And don’t worry if you have leftovers – this recipe is known to taste even better the next day!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Lincolnshire Sausage and Lentil Simmer Recipe is a total success, I have compiled a list of tips to help you along the way. These tips are based on my personal experience and experimentation with this recipe, so I’m confident that they will assist you in creating a delicious and wholesome meal.
Firstly, make sure to cook your sausages properly before adding them to the lentil stew. While this might seem like an obvious step, it’s essential to mention as uncooked sausages can ruin the entire dish. Cook the sausages in a frying pan over medium heat for around 10 minutes, turning them regularly until they turn brown on all sides.
Furthermore, when making the lentil stew, it’s crucial to bring it to a gentle simmer and keep stirring it occasionally. Avoid boiling the stew as this will break down the lentils and create an unpleasant texture. Instead, simmer over low heat for around 30 minutes, or until the lentils become tender.
Another tip worth noting is to experiment with different types of sausages when making this recipe. While Lincolnshire pork sausages work perfectly fine, you can add extra depth and flavour by using Italian sausage, Toulouse sausage or even spicy sausage. This opens up endless possibilities for variation and allows you to experiment with new flavours.
In addition to this, feel free to substitute different types of lentils depending on what’s available in your pantry. Puy lentils or green lentils would be ideal substitutes for red lentils as they also hold their shape while cooking.
Finally, don’t be afraid to garnish your Lentil Simmer with some fresh herbs such as flat-leaf parsley. This provides an added layer of freshness while simultaneously elevating its appearance. A sprinkle of chopped parsley also adds depth and brings out the flavors of other ingredients.
By taking note of these tips and making small tweaks here and there, you can be confident that your Lincolnshire Sausage and Lentil Simmer will be a success.
FAQ
As we approach the end of our recipe article, you may have some pressing questions on your mind. We understand that experimenting in the kitchen can lead to some uncertainties, so we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to put your mind at ease. Read on for answers to common queries and further tips to perfecting this Lincolnshire Sausage & Lentil Simmer Recipe.
How to cook Lincolnshire sausages?
When preparing this dish, it is important to ensure that the meat is at room temperature before cooking. If you plan to grill the meat, then preheat the grill to a medium heat setting. Place the meat on the rack and grill for approximately 10-13 minutes, making sure to turn it regularly for even cooking.
Alternatively, if you prefer to shallow fry the meat, heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan. Cook the meat over medium heat for approximately 6-10 minutes, also turning it regularly to ensure it is evenly cooked.
How do you serve Lincolnshire sausage?
Sausages are a versatile ingredient that can be used to enhance a variety of dishes. They are particularly well-suited for comforting British classics like toad in the hole and bangers and mash, to which they add a depth of deliciousness. Additionally, sausages can be an excellent complement to Italian favorites such as carbonara. And of course, they are a crucial element of the classic sausage roll, adding a delightfully crispy texture.
Can you put lentils in sausage casserole?
Now it’s time to bring all the ingredients together. Take the sausages and add them to the casserole pan, along with the lentils, tomatoes, chicken stock, and a sprig of rosemary. Give everything a thorough mix, ensuring that all the ingredients are well-combined. Cover the pan and let it come to a gentle simmer. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. We want everything to cook evenly and for the flavors to meld together. After about 30 minutes of simmering, it’s time to taste and season to your liking.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Lincolnshire Sausage & Lentil Simmer Recipe is a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also pleases the taste buds. With its blend of savory pork sausages and hearty lentils, it’s no wonder why it’s a household favorite among the people of Lincolnshire, England. This recipe offers versatility through its variations, making it easy to customize to your preferences. Whether you choose to make this recipe with pancetta or bacon, red lentils or green lentils, it is sure to be a hit.
Don’t forget that this simmer recipe allows for make-ahead and reheating options, which makes it ideal for those with busy schedules. Additionally, this dish can be paired with a variety of sides, such as rice or vegetables, to create an unforgettable meal.
Overall, this recipe incorporates essential ingredients like garlic, onion, and vegetable oil that add depth of flavor to the dish. The sausages in this recipe form a significant role in enhancing the overall taste of the dish, so choosing good quality sausages is crucial, but it’s worth the investment.
So what are you waiting for? Give this Lincolnshire Sausage & Lentil Simmer Recipe a try today! It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that delivers on both taste and nutrition; you won’t regret tasting its goodness.
Lincolnshire Sausage & Lentil Simmer Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 130 g cubed pancetta or 130 g dried bacon
- 2 (1 lb) packets lincolnshire pork or (1 lb) packets other good sausages
- 2 onions, roughly chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped into small pieces
- 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 1/4 cups puy lentils
- 850 ml hot chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 400 g chopped tomatoes
- 1 lb chopped flat leaf parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large casserole or very large sauté pan with a lid. Add the pancetta and sausages and sizzle for 10 minutes, turning the sausages occasionally until nicely browned and sticky. Scoop the sausages out on to a plate.
- Add the onions, carrot and garlic to the pancetta and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften.
- Return the sausages to the pan and add the rosemary, lentils, stock, vinegar and tomatoes, then season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil and simmer rapidly for 5 minutes, then lower the heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring every so often until the lentils are tender. (It can now be chilled and frozen for up to 1 month.).
- Check the seasoning, scatter over the parsley and serve from the pan.