This dish is so darn good and easy to make. Everything cooks in less than 30 minutes and while the list of ingredients might seem extensive, they are for the most part, things you probably already have on hand. Lentils are rich and satisfying, the kale mixture is full of flavor, and with the sausage added, well, it’s a hearty, easy-to-make fabulous dish.

SAUSAGE WITH LENTILS & KALE –

Prep Time: 10 minutes       Cook Time: 25 minutes        Serves: 4 for approx. $8.75

Ingredients:

FOR THE LENTILS –

Kosher salt & pepper

12 ounces dried lentils

2 cloves garlic, peeled

6 fresh sage leaves

2 medium carrots, peeled, quartered, and thinly sliced

1 celery stalk, chopped

FOR THE SAUSAGE –

12 ounces sweet Italian sausage

1 teaspoon olive oil

FOR THE KALE –

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

1 shallot, thinly sliced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 small bunch kale

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Chopped jalapeno for garnish if desired

Directions:

Heat oven to 425 degrees.

For the lentils –

In a medium saucepan, bring 6 cups water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt, then the lentils, garlic, and sage. Simmer gently with lid tilted for 15 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and simmer until the lentils are just tender, about 5 minutes more.

For the sausage –

While lentils are simmering, place the sausages on a rimmed baking sheet. Prick them with a fork or knife, then toss with 1 teaspoon oil. Roast, giving the pan a shake or two, until just cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to cutting board and let rest a couple of minutes before slicing.

For the kale –

Heat olive oil and butter in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, shallot, and onions. Cook about 5 minutes, until soft. Raise heat to high, add kale and water and toss to mix. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat. Add red wine vinegar and stir.

To serve –

Discard the garlic and sage leaves from the lentils. Drain the lentils. Fold in kale mix, add sausage and season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped fresh jalapeno if desired.