Sausages with French green lentils
Meaty sausages are simple to cook, succulent and juicy, and when combined with diced vegetables and tender lentils they make a hearty meal with a healthy balance of nutrients.
2 large onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
350 grams (12 oz) carrots, peeled and diced
1 large fennel bulb, chopped
2 bay leaves
4 sprigs of fresh thyme
1 orange, zest grated and juiced
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 good-quality, thin pork sausages
1 1⁄3 cups French green lentils, rinsed
1 1⁄4 cups red wine
1⁄3 cup currant jelly
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 orange, cut into eight small wedges
1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Put the onions, garlic, carrots, fennel, bay leaves and thyme in a fairly deep roasting pan and stir until mixed together. Add the orange zest and olive oil and mix thoroughly.
2.Place the sausages on top of the vegetables. Bake for about 25 minutes until the sausages are lightly browned on top.
3.Meanwhile, place the lentils in a large pot and cover with boiling water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, partly cover the pan and boil for 15 minutes until just tender. Drain well.
4.Lift the sausages out of the roasting pan and set aside. Stir the wine, currant jelly, mustard and orange juice into the vegetables in the pan, then add the lentils and stir in with a fork. Reposition the sausages on top, turning them browned-sides down.
5.Bake for a further 20–25 minutes, until the sausages are well browned and the vegetables and lentils are cooked. Remove the sausages to a board and thickly slice them on the diagonal. Discard the herbs from the lentil mixture, then lay the sausages back on top and serve garnished with orange wedges.
Serves 4
Preparation time 15 minutes
Cooking time 50 minutes
Each serving
22 g protein • 25 g fat of which 8.5 g saturates • 46 g carbohydrate • 12 g fibre • 559 Calories
