Linsen Eintopf mit Würstel
A hearty and comforting lentil stew, a staple in Austrian cuisine, often prepared with smoked sausages (Würstel) and a medley of vegetables. This dish is known for its robust flavors and warming qualities, perfect for colder days.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Brown or green lentils(rinsed and picked over)
- 400 g Smoked sausages (Würstel)(sliced)
- 100 g Bacon(diced)
- 1 large Onion(diced)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 2 medium Celery stalks(diced)
- 1 medium Leek(white and pale green parts, sliced)
- 1 medium Potato(peeled and diced)
- 1.5 l Beef broth
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Marjoram(dried)
- 1 piece Bay leaf
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
- 2
Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and leek to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the rinsed lentils, diced potato, beef broth, dried marjoram, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- 5
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40-50 minutes, or until lentils and potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally.
- 6
Add the sliced smoked sausages and the reserved cooked bacon to the pot. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sausages are heated through.
- 7
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- 8
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot.
- ✓Any type of smoked sausage can be used, such as Wiener or Frankfurter.
- ✓Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of caraway seeds for a more traditional flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sausages and use vegetable broth. Add more root vegetables for heartiness.