INGREDIENTS
2 oz
bacon, thick-cut preferred, cut crosswise into 1/3-inch pieces
3
medium carrots, diced
2
ribs celery, diced
1
medium onion, diced
2 cups
dried green or French green lentils
8 cups
liquid: chicken stock, vegetable broth, water, or any combination (feel free to splash in some white wine)
Several dashes cayenne pepper
2 cloves
garlic, minced
2 tsp
coarsely chopped fresh sage (can substitute 1 teaspoon dried)
2 tsp
fresh thyme (can substitute 1 teaspoon dried)
12 oz
good quality cured/smoked or fresh sausage with a garlicky or herbed flavor profile, cut into 1-inch pieces (if the sausage is fresh, you may want to brown the pieces first)
3 cups
breadcrumbs (fresh is best, panko works well in a pinch)
1/4 cup
melted butter or olive oil
Kosher salt
Black pepper