Vegan Fried Lentil & Sausage Bowl

PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 30 minutes
YIELD: 2 servings

Lentils are one of the great pillars of plant-based protein. Some of the best vegan meals out there utilize lentils, and we couldn’t help but get on board. Fried lentils have a creamy-crispy texture, the perfect complement to our Butcher’s Select Bratwurst Sausages. Black and green lentils work best in this recipe, for they crisp up in all the right ways.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup dried black or French green lentils, rinsed
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 head fennel, trimmed and cut into 8ths, fronds saved for garnish
• 1 pkg Butcher's Select Bratwurst
• salt and pepper
• 4 cups tender salad greens

Very Good Citrus Dressing

• 1/2 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1 small orange, juiced and zested
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme, if desired
• salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium pot of salted water over high heat, cook lentils for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander. Leave in the colander to cool. Transfer to a bowl and pat dry.
2. In a medium sized pan over medium heat, add oil and cook fennel and bratwurst for 6-8 minutes or until bratwurst is golden-brown and fennel is tender. Remove from the pan.
3. In the same pan over high heat, add lentils and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until lentils are crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
4. In the meantime, combine all Very Good Citrus Dressing ingredients in a jar and shake to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
5. Split salad greens between two bowls and top with bratwurst and fried lentils. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with fennel fronds.

Be sure to share your Vegan Lentil & Sausage Bowl with us using #TheVeryGoodButchers and tagging @theverygoodbutchers.