Op again: just to update that I decided to try and did cook lentil with smoked sausage in my Zojirushi. I put 6 cups of lentil (the zojirushi cup) and filled it with water until the mark 8 on "white rice." I put the sausage in, plus diced onions, garlic, bay leaf, salt.
It came out wonderful (put half on the freezer)! The only thing is, I had it set to be ready at 5:30pm but it only got done at 6pm. I think next time I will try the porridge setting and put less water (maybe one cup less?).