Slow cooker Italian lentils with sausages and chilli

Method

1. If your slow cooker has the sear or braise function, switch it on. Add the sausages and the oil and fry, turning often, until brown all over. Or do this in a frying pan over a medium-high heat.

2. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, bay leaves, fennel seeds and chilli flakes to the slow cooker/pan and fry for a minute or two. Season well with salt and pepper.

3. If you need to, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker, then add the lentils, wine and stock. Stir, put the lid on and cook on low for at least 2 hours, or until the lentils are tender and the sausages are cooked through.

4. Season to taste and scatter over the chopped parsley.