Winters in Minnesota call for a loaded and rich stew to warm us up! This Italian Lentil Stew has lots of full-bodied flavor and protein to keep us full and satisfied while we watch the snow fall outside on the freezing tundra. Plus, we can’t pass up a simple slow cooker stew. Batch cooking is one of our favorite ways to meal prep. It leaves our homes smelling warm and cozy with minimal effort.

 

Here’s what you’ll need…

2 cups split lentils

1 lb chicken sausage (try using ground chicken with our homemade sausage seasoning!)

1 large onion, diced

4 cups kale, chopped

2 large carrots

4 cups vegetable broth

28 oz canned crushed tomatoes

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp salt

2 tsp pepper

 

Directions:

  1. Brown chicken sausage
  2. Throw everything into the slow cooker on high for four hours, or low for six to eight hours. You can throw this in the slow cooker before work, and come home to a completely cooked dinner!
  3. This recipe makes twelve servings, so you can eat it all week long, or freeze it for days when you don’t feel like cooking!

 

Nutrition Facts:

Total Servings: 12

Calories: 177

Protein: 15.4g

Carbs: 22.6g

Fat: 1.8g

 

If you’re feeling fancy…

Top off each serving with some fresh parsley or freshly ground pepper

or

Mix and match your favorite seasonal veggies for a boost of micronutrients and bonus flavors