This hearty, flavorful stew of italian sausages and lentils is easy to make and filling. This recipe is a perfect winter comfort food. The level of spice in the dish can be adjusted depending on the italian sausage you use. Most italian sausage in the united states is a pork sausage primarily seasoned with anise or fennel, but it comes in both hot or sweet varieties. The primary difference between these two varieties is the addition of hot red pepper, which adds a spiciness and kick to the sausage. You can choose your favorite--or a mix of the two