Italian Lentil Stew with Gluten-free Vegan Sausages

Lentil's are a must in Italy for many Italian on New Year's dinner. Their coin-like shape, is believed to bring prosperity for the new year. I love lentils so I had to include a lentil stew in my New Years menu for 2021. An easy recipe to prepare a few days in advance. Made with tinned green lentils, crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion, spices and vegetable stock.

For the New Years lentils are traditionally served with Cotechino (Italian pork sausages) or Zampone (stuffed pig's trotter), however, I don't eat either so I will serve my Italian style lentils with vegetarian sausages (they sound weird but are delicious).

Ingredients

• Chopped Onion – 1
• Crushed Garlic – 1 clove
• Chopped carrot (optional) – 1 medium
• Tinned tomatoes – 400g
• Drained Tinned Green lentils – 400g
• Dried Basil – 1/2 teaspoon
• Thyme – 1/2 teaspoon
• Chilli flakes – 1/4 teaspoon
• Vegetable stock – 200ml
• Baby spinach – 1 cup to serve on the side

Method

Step 1
SAUTÉE onion in a little olive oil until soft, this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Add in crushed or finely chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add in spices and stir through, then add in all other ingredients.

Step 2
BRING to boil, then simmer on low for about 20 to 40 minutes until the stew has thickened. This can be made a 2-3 days in advance. The flavours are even better the following day.