How to Prepare a Smoky Sausage Stew

A smoky sausage stew is worth the effort of preparation.

Serves four; ready in about 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 8 pork sausages prepared according to pack instructions. 
• Low-calorie cooking spray
• 4 smoked bacon medallions, visible fat removed, diced
• One medium onion, diced
• One red onion, diced
• One large celery stick, diced
• Two carrots, peeled and diced
• Half tablespoon sweet smoked paprika, mustard powder and smoked chili powder
• 1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
•  bay leaves
• One vegetable stock cube, crumbled
• 1 * 400 g can chopped tomatoes
• 360-400 g jar passata
• 600 g canned brown or green lentils, drained and rinsed.

Preparation:

1. Cook the sausages according to instruction.  Set aside to cool, then slice in half widthways.
2. Meanwhile, spray a large casserole dish with low calorie cooking spray and place over a medium to low heat. 
3. Gently fry the bacon, onions, celery and carrots for 10 to 15 minutes until softened and golden, adding splashes of water if the vegetables start to stick.
4. And in the spices, stir for 2 minutes, then add the vinegar, bay leaves, stock cube, tomatoes and passata.  Fill the tomato can with water and add to the stew.   to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Season to taste, then stir through the lentils.  Add the sausages to the casserole dish and simmer for 10 minutes to heat through.  Discard the bay leaves, then spoon into bowls to serve.