crockpot lentils and sausage stew

2 Italian sausage links (mine were fresh from the butcher), pick whatever flavor you want in the stew

1.5 cups dried lentils

1/2 of a large onion (diced)

1 can diced tomato

Heat olive oil in a pan and saute onions ~5 mins.  Add sausage links (whole) and brown on all sides.  Place in the crockpot with lentils.  Add 2 cups water and heat on low ~4 hrs until lentils are soft.  Add diced tomatoes and stir.  Cook another 2-4 hrs to meld the flavors (the Italian spiced in the sausage were all the flavoring needed).  Serve as a stew, or over rice, or with crackers.