Chicken Sausage with Kale & Quinoa

Here is one super quick weeknight recipe,

with easily interchangeable ingredients,

that's packed with protein and healthy veggies & grains!

Apricot-Glazed Chicken Sausage with Kale & Quinoa

What you need:

1 c quinoa (or whole wheat couscous)

1 package chicken-apple sausage

1 bunch kale (or other sturdy dark green, i.e. chard, broccoli rabe, collards)

1/2 c raisins (or golden raisins or dried cranberries)

1/2 yellow or red onion, chopped

1/2 c apricot jam

~2 Tbsp white wine vinegar (or apple cider or white balsamic)

1/2 c sliced almonds (or toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds)

Fresh sprig rosemary, finely chopped

Olive oil

Salt & pepper, to taste

What to do:

Make quinoa (or coucous) according to package directions,

adding raisins when remove from heat.

(This will soften and plump them up nicely!)

Meanwhile, saute chopped greens in olive oil for ~ 1 minute.

Move to serving bowl.

Next, reserve 2 Tbsp chopped onion,

and saute remaining onion in olive oil.

Slice fully-cooked chicken-apple sausage and toss in pan to brown.

Note:  With flavor profile, I would stick to this type of chicken sausage...save your sun-dried tomato or feta flavor for another application!

Meanwhile, whisk together the jam, reserved onion, vinegar, rosemary,
and salt & pepper, to taste.

Add this dressing to pan,

being sure to scrape up all the tasty brown bits!

Move to bowl with kale.

Fluff grains and raisins with fork.

Add to bowl, along with nuts.  Mix thoroughly.

Voila!

Serve with a smooth red wine.

(We selected a local pinot noir - pretty delish!)

And why not end such a healthy meal with a little indulgence...
Mint chocolate chip cookies, anyone?

Mmmmmm.
(Hey, everything in moderation!)

Note:  sous chef optional.

Though highly recommended.

:)

~photos by b~