### Ziti Chickpeas with Sausage and Kale: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish
In the world of comfort dishes, the mix of beans, greens, and cheese emerges as a wholesome and fulfilling choice. The Ziti Chickpeas with Sausage and Kale, affectionately known as “Pizza Beans 2.0,” draws inspiration from the classic Pizza Beans recipe, combining the nourishing attributes of chickpeas with the robust flavors of Italian sausage and the vibrant taste of kale. This dish serves not only as a delightful meal but also as a flexible choice for meal prep and family gatherings.
#### Ingredients
– A splash of olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 12 ounces sweet or spicy Italian sausage, casings taken off
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 (6-8-ounce) bunch of kale, stemmed and cut into thin ribbons
– 3/4 pound mozzarella, coarsely grated (drain if wet)
– 2/3 cup finely grated pecorino cheese
– Garlic bread, for serving (optional)
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Base**: In a large sauté pan (oven-proof if available), heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft, about 4 minutes.
2. **Cook the Sausage**: Add the Italian sausage to the pan, along with kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook, breaking the sausage into bite-sized pieces until browned, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
3. **Add Tomatoes and Chickpeas**: Carefully mix in the crushed tomatoes and chickpeas, bringing the combination to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning, typically adding another teaspoon of kosher salt and more black pepper.
4. **Simmer**: Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes. For a deeper flavor, continue simmering for 20 to 25 minutes, adding water if it becomes too thick. Stir in the kale and cook until wilted, around 2 to 3 minutes. This step can be paused if preparing for later.
5. **Finish the Dish**: Preheat the oven’s broiler. If your pan isn’t ovenproof, transfer the chickpea mixture to a baking dish. Top with both mozzarella and pecorino cheeses. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
6. **Serve**: Enjoy right away, ideally with garlic bread on the side for dipping.
#### Tips and Variations
– **Meal Prep**: This dish is ideal for meal prepping. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for future use. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes.
– **Gluten-Free Option**: To make this dish gluten-free, simply leave out the garlic bread or use gluten-free bread.
– **Cheese Variations**: Feel free to try different cheeses or leave them out for a lighter version.
#### Conclusion
Ziti Chickpeas with Sausage and Kale is a wonderful dish that fuses the comforting aspects of Italian cuisine with the health advantages of legumes and greens. It’s a family-friendly recipe that can be easily tailored to fit various dietary preferences, making it a must-have for any home cook aiming to prepare a hearty meal. Relish this flavorful creation as a main dish or as a satisfying side, and enjoy the deliciousness it adds to your table.