The Story Behind the Dish
Comfort food has a magical way of bringing people together, and this Sausage and Rice Skillet is the epitome of home-cooked warmth. Originating from a blend of rustic European and American culinary traditions, this one-pan wonder combines the smoky richness of sausage with the comforting texture of rice and vibrant bell peppers. It’s a recipe that speaks to the heart of family cooking – simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- White Rice: 1 1/4 cup (300 ml / 250 g)
- Olive Oil: 2 tsp (10 ml)
- Smoked Sausage (sliced): 12 oz (340 g)
- Red Bell Pepper (sliced): 1/2 pepper
- Yellow Bell Pepper (sliced): 1/2 pepper
- White Onion (quartered and sliced): 1 small
- Garlic (minced): 4 cloves
- Kosher Sea Salt: 1/2 tsp (2.5 g)
- Ground Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp (1 g)
- Tomato Paste: 5 tbsp (75 g)
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: 1 1/4 cup (300 ml)
- Paprika: 1 tsp (2 g)
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/8 tsp (0.25 g)
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): 1 1/2 tbsp (5 g)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Rice In a small saucepan, cook the white rice according to package instructions. Once fully cooked, set aside and keep warm.
- Brown the Sausage Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to shimmer. Carefully add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for approximately 5 minutes, turning to brown both sides evenly. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize. Add minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute, stirring to release the aromatic flavors.
- Create the Flavor Base Reduce the heat to medium. Add tomato paste and 3/4 cup of chicken broth to the skillet. Whisk thoroughly to combine, allowing the mixture to simmer for 1 minute. Stir in paprika and cayenne pepper to build depth of flavor.
- Combine and Finish Return the cooked rice, browned sausage, sautéed vegetables, and remaining chicken broth to the skillet. Gently stir to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and heated through.
- Serve Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
Cooking Time: 30 minutes Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Servings: 4
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best flavor development and even heating.
- For extra crispy sausage, pat the slices dry before cooking.
- Allow the sausage to develop a nice brown crust before moving it in the pan.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the dish.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Alternatives:
- Replace smoked sausage with chicken sausage
- Use turkey sausage for a leaner option
- Substitute with plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version
- Rice Variations:
- Brown rice for added nutrition
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative
- Quinoa for a protein-packed substitute
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, the skillet can be prepared in advance and reheated. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q2: Is this recipe spicy? The recipe has a mild kick from cayenne pepper. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Q3: Can I freeze this Sausage and Rice Skillet? Yes, the dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet.
Q4: What can I serve with this dish? A simple green salad or roasted vegetables complement this skillet perfectly.
Q5: Can I use different types of sausage? Absolutely! Andouille, kielbasa, or Spanish chorizo work wonderfully in this recipe.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Best reheated in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture
Enjoy your delicious Sausage and Rice Skillet – a true one-pan wonder that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table!