Quinoa, Kale, and Sausage with Kale Chips

Quinoa is not grown in Utah, actually the only place in the U.S.A. it is grown in is San Luis Valley, Colorado. It is a grain that is very good for you and extremely delicious. Kale is another healthy vegetable packed with vitamins K, A, and C.  The sausage I used is Colossimo Red Wine sausage.  Together the combination of these three things makes a delicious meal.  One thing I have learned is that just about any greens, when sauteed, go great with sausage and make a really filling meal. You can mix up these recipes by adding different grains but I really like the nutty taste of quinoa. By adding the kale chips you give this meal a little crunch.  Feel free to play with this recipe!

Quinoa, Kale, and Sausage with Kale Chips

Quinoa, Kale, and Sausage with Kale Chips
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
2 cups quinoa 
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (homemade so save those veggie scraps and chicken carcasses)
1lb sausage, chopped
2 cup chopped kale plus 3 kale leaves for chips
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese plus extra for topping, grated

1. Preheat oven to 350˚ F
2. Take kale leaves wash them, dry them and lay them on a baking sheet.  Spray them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.  Put in oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes but check them often.  Take them out when crisp.
3. Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and drain.  In a medium sized pot, heat oil or butter and add chopped onions and garlic.  Cook until golden. Add quinoa, toasting for about 3 minutes. 
4. Add broth and other seasonings (I used coriander and turmeric... just be creative). Bring to a boil and reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the liquid is gone. 
5. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet cook sausage.  Add chopped kale, stirring until wilted. Turn off heat.
6. Combine quinoa mixture with sausage mixture and parmesan cheese.  Make any final seasoning adjustments.  Sprinkle with kale chips and additional parmesan cheese. Enjoy.