Add lentils to create this dinner tonight

By JOE GRAY
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Lentils are a great cupboard staple that don't get enough attention. As easily prepared as pasta, but more healthful, they can expand your midweek culinary repertoire. (They're usually sold in bags and are located in the market near the beans.)
This dish welcomes warm weather with the addition of fresh green onions, among the first local vegetables to appear each season. Milder evenings lure us outside to grill the sausages, boosting their flavor. We like to use chicken apple sausages that are sold already cooked, such as the Sausages By Amy brand, because they speed preparation. The slightly sweet taste of the sausage is complemented by the orange zest in the lentils.
As long as you've got the grill going, slice up some bell peppers and throw them on too. Finish them with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Snack on your favorite cheese and some imported olives while waiting for the sausages to grill.
MENU
Cheese and olives
Grilled chicken sausages with lentils
Grilled bell peppers
Beer
Chocolate chip cookie and vanilla ice cream sandwiches
TIPS
To save the cooking time on the vegetables, throw the red onion and carrots in together with the lentils, water, salt and bay leaf and simmer until done. The vegetables will have less texture, but the lentils will still be flavorful.
Grill the green onions too (chop them after grilling) for an added smoky flavor.
GRILLED CHICKEN SAUSAGES WITH LENTILS
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 carrot, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
1 cup lentils
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1 cup water
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon orange zest
4 apple-chicken sausages
3 green onions, thinly sliced
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a medium pot. Cook carrots and onion until just softened, about 5 minutes. Add lentils, broth, water, bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste. Heat to a simmer; cook, uncovered, until lentils are done, about 20 minutes. Remove bay leaf, stir in orange zest. Set lentils aside, keep warm.
Meanwhile, grill, broil or microwave sausages according to package instructions. Remove to a cutting board; slice. Place lentils on dinner plates; top with green onions. Arrange sliced sausage on top.
Yield: 4 servings.
Nutrition information per serving: 370 calories, 35 percent of calories from fat, 14 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 33 g carbohydrates, 28 g protein, 680 mg sodium, 12 g fiber.