Turkey Sausage & Sweet Potato Skillet with Apples and Rice

Ingredients

• 14 oz turkey sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch coins
• 1 large sweet potato (about 1 lb), peeled and cut in 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 medium apples, cored and chopped (unpeeled, any crisp variety)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 1/4 cups water
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Steps

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat. Add turkey sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides, about 6 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate.
2. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Stir in sweet potato and onion. Cook, stirring often, until onion softens and sweet potato starts to brown, 6-8 minutes.
3. Add apples, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook 2 more minutes, until apples just start to soften.
4. Stir in rinsed rice, then pour in 2 1/4 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
5. Return sausage and any juices to the skillet. Give everything a good stir, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 18-20 minutes, or until rice and sweet potatoes are tender and water is absorbed.
6. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Taste and add salt if needed.
7. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot. Turkey sausage is fully cooked; reheat to 165°F as a food safety best practice.