Description
Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring browned smoked sausage, sautéed onions, garlic, and colorful bell peppers combined with toasted rice simmered in a savory tomato sauce and chicken broth. This dish offers a comforting blend of smoky, spicy, and aromatic flavors, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 13 ounces (369 g) smoked sausage (beef or pork), sliced into rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium bell peppers, sliced into strips (any color)
- 2 cups (370 g) uncooked white rice
- 8 ounces (227 ml) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon creole seasoning (or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper as a substitute)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a heavy bottom pan or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides to develop rich, savory flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers to the pan with the sausage. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes, allowing the oil and sausage to infuse with aromatic flavors.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the uncooked white rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the grains, enhancing texture and its capacity to absorb flavors.
- Add Sauce, Broth, and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, then add creole seasoning (or cayenne pepper) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer Until Done: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Check occasionally and add a splash more broth or water if needed.
- Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or extra peppers.
Notes
- You can substitute creole seasoning with cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
- Choose any color bell peppers based on preference or seasonal availability.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro as garnish can enhance freshness.
- If preferred, use chicken sausage instead of traditional smoked sausage for a lighter option.
- Keep an eye on the simmering rice to prevent it from drying out; add broth or water as needed.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the sausage and seasonings used are gluten-free.
