GARLICKY GRAINS with Asparagus & Sausage

• servings: 4
• total time: 15 ish mins

Ingredients

1 bunch asparagus

1 pound cooked Italian chicken sausage or kielbasa

6 garlic cloves

½ cup fresh parsley leaves and tender stems

2 tablespoons extra-virgin

olive oil

Kosher salt

2 cups cooked grains-barley, farro, brown rice, rice, or quinoa (whatever's on hand!)

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, plus more as needed

¾ teaspoon dried oregano

¾ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 ounces goat, Parmesan, or

feta cheese

Directions

1. Trim the asparagus and cut it into 1-inch pieces. Halve the sausage lengthwise, then slice it crosswise into half-moons. Thinly slice the garlic. Finely chop the parsley.

2. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add the asparagus, chicken sausage, and a big pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic for the final 30 seconds.

3. Stir in the cooked grains, all but 2 tablespoons of the parsley, the vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir until everything is combined well and warmed through, a minute or two.

4. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired. (Some people [me] like a lot of salt and acid, so I always add more of those.)

5. Divide among four bowls. Crumble the cheese and sprinkle ½ ounce over each bowl. Finish with another sprinkle of parsley before you dig in.

Notes

SWAP Use pork or turkey

sausage in place of the chicken sausage-just cook it by itself in the skillet first, then add the asparagus and continue with the recipe.

Green beans, broccoli, or thinly sliced bell peppers work great in place of asparagus. Cook times will vary-just get it crisp-tender!