Lentils with Smoked Sausage and Carrots

1 . Stage

In a large saucepan, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

2 . Stage

Add the lentils, water, salt, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, partially covered, until the lentils are almost tender, about 20 minutes. Discard the bay leaf.

3 . Stage

Stir in the smoked sausage and parsley. Cook until the lentils are just tender but not falling apart and the sausage is warm, about 10 minutes longer.

4 . Stage

Wine Recommendation: Tokay Pinot Gris is one of the few white wines big enough to partner dishes that might ordinarily call for a red. Here its full body is more than a match for the sausage, while its nutty notes intriguingly echo the lentils.