Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering dish that combines rustic Italian flavors and hearty, nutritious ingredients! This braised green lentils with roasted chicken Italian sausages recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Imagine a one-pot wonder that's packed with protein, bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, and so easy to prepare that you'll feel like a professional chef with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup green lentils
- 4 Italian sausages
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse green lentils thoroughly under cold water, removing any small stones or debris. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid that can go from stovetop to oven.
- In the pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Brown the Italian sausages on all sides until they develop a golden-brown crust, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove sausages and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and the onions turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the rinsed green lentils to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Return the browned sausages to the pot, nestling them into the lentil mixture. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. The dish should have a thick, stew-like consistency.
- Serve hot, with sausages atop the braised lentils, and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Always rinse your lentils carefully to remove any small stones or debris that might affect the texture and taste of your dish.
- For deeper flavor, consider browning the sausages thoroughly - this step helps develop a rich, caramelized exterior that adds complexity to the entire dish.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven that can seamlessly transition from stovetop to oven for even heat distribution.
- Don't rush the braising process. Low and slow cooking allows the lentils to absorb all the delicious broth and become perfectly tender.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the lentils to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Optional garnishes like fresh parsley or grated Parmesan can elevate the dish's presentation and add an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
