“This traditional dish of sausage and lentils becomes healthier by seeking out hot Italian chicken sausage links. Onion, celery and carrot, smoked paprika, rosemary and thyme infuse a base layer of flavor into nutritious lentils,” says Highlands Ranch Foodie blogger Lea Ann Brown of this Braised Green Lentils with Roasted Chicken Italian Sausages. “By adding a dollop of Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar, this recipe’s flavor is elevated even more to construct a recipe the whole family will love.”
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 large sweet onion (about 1 1/2 cups) chopped
2 carrots (about 1 cup) chopped
1 stalk celery (about 1 cup) chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, diced, or 1 teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups dry green lentils
4 cups chicken broth
1 pound (about 4 links) hot Italian chicken sausage
1 generous teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, optional
rosemary leaves, to taste, optional
flat parsley, to taste, optional
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Heat a Dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the canola oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion, carrot and celery. Turn the heat down to medium and cook, stirring often for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are starting to soften. Add the garlic, give it a good stir and cook until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt, lentils and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. During this cooking time you can start roasting the chicken sausages. Place chicken sausages on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack. Spray the sausages with avocado oil (preferred) or cooking spray. Roast the chicken sausages for about 20 minutes. Turn the sausages after 10 minutes of cooking. Cook until the sausage is golden and crispy.
Once the chicken broth is mostly absorbed in the skillet, stir in the Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar. Remove from heat and let stand for about 5 minutes. To serve, scoop the lentils on a serving platter and top with the sliced sausages. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, rosemary leaves or chopped flat leaf parsley for garnish, if desired.
This Lentils with Roasted Chicken Italian Sausages recipe is sublime. If you want to try another steamy bowl of goodness, try this Hearty Hominy Beef Stew recipe.