Greek Lentil and Sausage Stew (Φακές και Λουκάνικα)

This is a simple Greek stew featuring lentils and sausages. It’s filling, tasty, and easy to put together in one pot. I love to prepare when the first rains arrive in Crete, early in October, and it’s always a hit with the family!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Affiliate Disclosure: This post can contain affiliate links and, if you buy anything from these links, I’ll receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

Join the My Cretan Recipe Facebook group.

Lentils have always been part of the Greek table. They’re affordable, full of protein, and a staple in many homes. In Crete, we often prepare them with local sausages, which adds depth and a little smokiness.

You can also make them plain (vegetarian), or add cubed beef, or even a bit of bacon. The recipe is straightforward, and it works well for weeknights or when you want something hearty without fuss.

I often make this stew when I want an easy meal that still feels complete. The lentils simmer until soft, the vegetables add texture, and the sausages bring it all together. A slice of bread with olive oil is all you need on the side.

How I Make This Dish

I start by boiling the lentils in salted water. This step softens them and also gives me time to chop everything else — the potatoes, carrots, onion, tomato, and garlic.

In a large pan, I add olive oil and cook the onion with a spoonful of tomato paste. This gives a strong base. Then I add the sausages, cut into pieces. I use small smoked sausages from Crete, but you can use whatever sausage you have. Once they have some color, I add the carrots and potatoes.

Next, I pour in the tomato passata, the chopped tomatoes, and the seasonings — oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and just a pinch of sugar to balance the tomatoes. I also add the water and a vegetable cube.

Finally, I stir in the lentils and let everything cook gently until the flavors have blended and the sauce has thickened.

The whole dish takes about an hour. Sometimes I add a little more water, broth, or even a splash of red wine if I have it on hand, if it gets dry during the cooking phase.

I serve it warm, with grilled bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh parsley. My sons often add some grated cheese on top, too!

Keeping It Simple: Variations and Storage

This stew is flexible. You can use chickpeas or beans instead of lentils, or add a splash of wine for more flavor. If you want it spicier, add chili flakes.

The stew keeps well in the fridge for 3 days and tastes better the next day. It also freezes, so you can cook once and enjoy later.

Lentil and Sausage Stew (Fakes me Loukanika)

My Cretan Recipe

A Greek-style lentil stew with smoked sausages, vegetables, and tomatoes.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cretan, Greek

Servings 6 portions

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cups lentils
• 450 grams smoked sausages (village style or any good sausage)
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 clove garlic crushed
• 1 fresh tomato chopped
• 500 grams tomato passata
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 potatoes cubed
• 3 carrots sliced
• 500 ml water
• 1 1 vegetable cube (optional)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika (or smoked paprika)
• 1 tsp oregano
• A few sprigs fresh thyme
• ¼ tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil extra virgin

Instructions

 

• Boil the lentils with water and enough coarse salt until tender. Drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add the onion and tomato paste, and cook for about 5 minutes.
• Add the sausages and cook until lightly browned.
• Stir in the carrots and potatoes, then add the tomato passata, chopped tomato, vegetable cube, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and sugar.
• Pour in the water and mix well.
• Add the boiled lentils and let the stew simmer until the vegetables are tender and the sauce is thick, about 30–40 minutes.
• Serve with grilled bread drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcal

Keyword lentils, sausages, stew

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

This lentil and sausage stew is an easy, honest meal. It’s one of those dishes that works any day of the week.

MORE IDEAS

Delicious (& Quick) Greek Chicken Recipes

Baked Tomato and Feta Farfalle with Basil

Greek Soutzoukakia (Smoky Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)

Light Mediterranean Salads

Corfiot Sofrito Recipe

Cretan-Style Kolokythopita (Zucchini Pie)

Greek Meat Soup with Orzo Pasta

Greek Pork with Celery and Avgolemono Sauce

Pin for Later!
Greek Lentil Stew

Gabi Ancarola
Gabi is a travel writer who has lived in Crete for over a decade. Through her blog, Crete Insider, she has helped travelers uncover local experiences. Passionate about food and Cretan cuisine, she now attends Greek cooking lessons to bring the island’s flavors straight to your kitchen!