Thursday, February 5, 2009

Balsamic Lentils with Chicken Sausage

Inspiration:
Cara's Cravings


Ingredients:
  • olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of minced garlic
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 3 links fully cooked chicken sausage, sliced
  • 2T balsamic vinegar, divided
  • 14oz can diced tomatoes
  • pinch of dried basil
  • freshly ground salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup dry lentils
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Instructions:
  1. Heat about 1T olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook for about 5-8 minutes, until softened.
  2. Add 1T balsamic vinegar, garlic, chicken sausage, crushed red pepper, basil, salt and pepper and sauté 1-2 minutes more.
  3. Add the lentils, canned tomatoes, and water, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.
  4. Add spinach and cook 10 minutes more, until spinach is wilted and lentils are tender.
  5. Stir in remaining 1T of balsamic vinegar, and serve.

Notes: Cara recommends Member's Mark Asiago & Spinach Chicken Sausage from Sam's Club; I found local chicken sausage at the co-op that was delicious! Vegetarians could easily substitute veggie sausage.


Tim's Rating: 8.75/10
Liz's Rating: 9.5/10

6 comments:

What's Cookin Chicago said...

This looks delicious and the use of balsamic in this dish is wonderful!

Maria said...

I will have to try this with veggie sausage! I love lentils!

HaveShoesWillTravel said...

I just saw you were in Chicago and went to Wishbone. We love that place for brunch. That's actually the neighborhood I live in too.

Hilary said...

Great pictures! Usually lentil soups look not-so-attractive in photos, but this one is beautiful. I think I just figured out my dinner tonight

Sarah said...

This is making me regret the Chinese takeout I had tonight, and the pizza last night...I need to make something beautiful like this (although my pics never compare....).

weezermonkey said...

8.75? That is very specific, Tim!