Spicy Lentils with Sausage

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup of brown or green lentils

• 4 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 of a yellow onion; finely diced

• 6 cloves of garlic; thinly sliced

• 1 1/2 cups (or about 3 links) of cooked sausage of your choice; sliced into thin rounds (andouille or kielbasa work best!)

• 1 tbsp of smoked paprika

• 1 tsp of ground black pepper

• 1/2 tsp of red chili pepper flakes

• 1 tsp of kosher salt

• 1/4 cup of tomato paste

• 4 cups of chicken stock

• Optional (but recommended) toppings: chives, dill and fried shallots or onions

In a Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add in your onions, garlic and sausage, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened. Add in your spices and mix well. Fry off for a few minutes or until fragrant. Add in your tomato paste and stir constantly for about a minute.

Add in your lentils and coat the lentils with the tomato-y spice mixture. Add in your chicken stock, stir, and bring to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for about 40 minutes. The lentils should be softened but not too soft to the point they are getting mushy.

Serve immediately with some crusty toasted bread and the optional (but highly encouraged) toppings.