Slow Cooker Savoy Sausages with Green Lentils Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor profile, you can sear the sausages in a pan for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker. While this adds an extra step, it creates a caramelized exterior that adds a rich, toasted note to the final dish. If you choose this route, ensure the pan is deglazed with a small amount of the broth to capture all the browned bits, then pour everything into the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients.

Adjusting the seasoning at the very end is key to achieving a balanced flavor. Since the broth can vary in saltiness, taste the lentil mixture before serving and add a pinch of salt or freshly ground black pepper as needed. A small splash of vinegar, such as sherry or red wine vinegar, added just before serving can also help to cut through the richness of the sausages and brighten the earthy tones of the cooked green lentils.

Variations

• Smoky Sausage Variation: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika when layering the ingredients to introduce a subtle, wood-fired flavor profile that pairs exceptionally well with the earthy lentils and carrots.
• Herbed Garlic Variation: Include two cloves of minced garlic and a pinch of dried thyme in the slow cooker to enhance the aromatic base of the dish, providing a more robust herbal fragrance.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming hot throughout, adding a splash of water if the lentils have absorbed too much liquid.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps prevent bacterial growth and maintains the quality of the ingredients.

Once the dish is cooled, place it in the refrigerator where it will remain fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, the meal can be frozen, though the texture of the lentils may soften slightly upon reheating, so keep this in mind when planning your meals.

This dish is an excellent candidate for advance preparation, as the flavors often deepen and improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the portion you need on the stovetop or in the microwave. This makes it a highly convenient option for meal planning, allowing you to have a home-cooked dinner ready with very little effort during the week.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish warm in deep bowls to capture all the flavorful juices and broth that develop during the slow cooking process. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread, which is perfect for mopping up any remaining liquid.

Because the dish is already quite hearty, a simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sausages and the earthiness of the lentils, making for a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.

Consider topping each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or chives, just before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous finish. If you prefer a bit of acidity, a small wedge of lemon served on the side can be squeezed over the lentils to lift the flavors.

The combination of the tender, savory sausages and the soft, flavorful lentils makes this an impressive yet simple meal that is sure to be enjoyed by everyone at the table.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Savoy Sausages with Green Lentils

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 Diots sausages
• 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
• 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
• 1 bouquet garni
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Instructions

1. Place the raw sausages into the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the rinsed green lentils and sliced carrots evenly over the sausages. Nestle the bouquet garni on top of the mixture.
2. Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to low heat for 4 hours, or until the sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
3. Once the sausages are cooked through, turn off the slow cooker and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Carefully remove the bouquet garni before plating the sausages and lentils.

Contains: gluten, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

22.5 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

12 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.