Baden-Württemberg Style Lentil and Sausage Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty lentil stew with smoked sausage and root vegetables, reflecting the comforting flavors found in the Baden-Württemberg region. This german-inspired pork ready in about 55 minutes pairs green lentils, large, diced carrot, diced celery stalk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 German cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup green lentils under cold water and set aside. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 chopped onion, 1 large diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 12 oz sliced smoked sausage to the pot and brown for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, add rinsed lentils, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme.
  6. Step 6: Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
  7. Step 7: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot with crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baden-Württemberg Style Lentil and Sausage Stew take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baden-Württemberg Style Lentil and Sausage Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep green lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baden-Württemberg Style Lentil and Sausage Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baden-Württemberg Style Lentil and Sausage Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baden-Württemberg Style Lentil and Sausage Stew?

German pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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