Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat in a cast iron pan until shimmering. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, stirring until only a little pink remains, about 3 minutes. Place sausage in a bowl and set aside.

Step 2

In the same pan over medium heat, add remaining oil and heat until shimmering. Add the shallot and a pinch of salt, stirring until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the cumin, scraping up any bits of browned sausage at the bottom of the pan, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds more.

Step 3

Pour in the tomatoes and stock, breaking the tomatoes apart with a wooden spoon once softened. Adjust heat to maintain a simmer, then add the lentils. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, about 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender to the bite.

Step 4

Adjust broiler rack to 6 inches below the heating element and preheat broiler to high. Stir in the sausage and kale, until wilted. Place pan under the broiler until sausage is browned, about 4 minutes. Top with parsley and serve with crusty bread, if desired.