Sweet Potato, Kale and Chicken Sausage Hash

Hey all! I've been trying to get to back to posting here more often. I've been cooking so much lately it seems a shame not to share with you some of my creations. Life is getting back to normal post Costa Rican vacation. I'm getting into my groove. Meal planning on Saturdays, grocery shopping and meal prep on Sundays. I even was able to get back to the farmer's market this weekend. The weather was just too gorgeous to not be outside as much as possible. I scored some beautiful kale (featured below) and the first bunch of fresh spring asparagus I'm putting into rotation later in the week (Tip: store asparagus in a cup of water in the fridge for maximum shelf life and freshness).  I have my kitchen window wide open with the breeze blowing in as I type this post. Nothing like that pollen filled air to really remind you spring is here. But never the less, I am perfectly content with the fresh air.

Butcher Block or Desk..hmm? 

If you've read some of my previous posts, you know I recently (February 2015) completed a Whole30 Challenge. One thing I learned from my Whole30 experience was that planning was key! I'm most successful when my Sundays consist of meal prep and I have a menu planned for each day of the week. Even if one night is set aside for take out or a frozen meal for conveniences sake.

This week my meals consist of:
Sweet Potato, Kale and Chicken Sausage Hash (see below)
Carrot, Tomato, Coconut Soup with Corn Relish
Kale, Chicken Sausage, and Dill Havarti Frittata
Spicy Buffalo Baked Chicken Chopped Salads with Avocado and Grilled Pineapple
Curried Coconut Beef and Eggplant over Asparagus
Against the Grain Gluten Free Frozen Pizza (for my late night getting back from the office)
Pound Cake with Macerated Mixed Berries (for my sweet tooth)

This recipe has seen many different versions. It depends on what my refrigerator can produce or what I'm in the mood for, but really anything goes. If you prefer regular sausage to chicken go for it! If you like spinach instead of kale, guess what? Go for it! Honestly, you can substitute just about anything and it will be tasty. Well, maybe not anything. I can't imagine caviar blending well with sweet potato but who knows! This recipe is super versatile and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner depending on the accompaniments.

Sweet Potato, Kale, and Chicken Sausage Hash
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into small cubes
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 links Kale and Balsamic chicken sausage, chopped into discs (I used Safeway Organics brand no sugar or pork casings here)
1/2 cup Kale, chopped (thick stems removed and washed thoroughly)
1 Tbsp. ghee
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. garlic powder (or 1 clove freshly minced garlic)
Salt and Pepper to taste

In large skillet over medium high, heat ghee then add sweet potatoes and onion. Season with salt and pepper, basil, and garlic powder then cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom side of the sweet potatoes is golden brown. Give it a good stir, then add the chicken sausage. Cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the hash starts to caramelize. Then add the kale, allowing it to wilt. Total cook time should be around 15 minutes. But keep a close eye on it. The sweet potatoes should be tender and golden brown. Since sweet potato has a higher sugar, content it will burn so make sure to cook over medium (not high!). The smaller you cut the sweet potato, the quicker it will cook, and the less likely you are to burn it before it's completely cooked!

If I eat this at home, I serve two over easy eggs right on top of the hash. If I'm packing it for breakfast at work, I eat with two hard boiled eggs for more protein. This would also be great as a side to quiche. This recipe is Whole30 as long as you read the labels! Lesson #2 of my Whole30 experience is all about Chicken Sausage. Did you know that most brands of chicken sausage contain sugar? Also, most brands of chicken sausage are made with pork casing?!! PORK??? I DO NOT eat PORK!! This made me cringe the first time I actually read one of the labels. Needless to say, I will always read the labels to all of the food I purchase!! ALWAYS! Thank you Whole30 for this if nothing else (and of course there were many more lessons and positive outcomes).