Sweet Potato, Apple Chicken Sausage, and Brussels Sprout Hash

A favorite quick and fresh dinner of mine to make. I've been told I could be from outer space, due to the fact, that I've loved brussels since I was a kid. I will add them anywhere I can, but here they are the perfect flavor addition to the sweetness of the apple chicken sausage and the sweet potatoes. From start to finish I'd say it takes about 30 minutes. The most work in this meal prep is the chopping. My kids love this too (minus the brussels...they don't know what they're missing) and think it's like sweet, cut up, hot dogs. Any meal that doesn't take forever to convince my kids to eat is a winner! 

Ingredients:

• 1 Package Apple Chicken Sausage (This is my favorite brand from Aldi, however I've seen other brands in basic grocery stores as well, most are pre-cooked...but please still be sure to check.)
• 2-3 large sweet potatoes cubed with skin on #lesswork
• 1 diced onion
• 1 chopped clove of garlic (can be omitted) 
• 1 package of fresh brussel sprouts with bottom stem cut off and then sliced in half (about 2 cups)
• 3 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp sweet or smoked paprika (choose your fave)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
• Optional* 1 tsp red pepper flakes for a little heat 

Directions:

1. In a large frying/saute pan, heat up empty, on medium heat for about 2 minutes then carefully add in oil.
2. Add in diced onions and saute till they just begin to golden in color. 
3. Add in the whole chicken sausage links, making sure to kind of sear on each side for a bit of extra flavor. 
4. After you sear, remove from the pan and slice into rounds, setting aside for just 5 minutes while you start to cook sweet potatoes. 
5. Add in sweet potatoes and cover for 2.5 minutes, repeating one more time after stirring half way through. 
6. Add in halved brussels as well as sausage rounds, garlic, and spices. 
7. Stir everything together and cover just for a minute or two to get some steam in those brussels. 
8. Cook for another 5-10 minutes uncovered, making sure to check with a fork that everything is cooked all the way through. Especially, check the chicken sausage. If it isn't pre-cooked it'll need a couple of extra minutes. 

   Everything comes together fairly quickly and is served best in a bowl with a dash of hot sauce if you so desire. This dish re-heats well in a saute pan in about 3 minutes. Same time you'd spend putting in a microwave about, and has a better taste. Thanks for reading! 

*Leftovers also heat up amazingly for breakfast with a few eggs cracked on top and baked in the oven. Think breakfast hash and enjoy!