Sausage and Rice Skillet: A One-Pan Comfort Food Delight

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Sausage and Rice Skillet

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

  1. Prepare the Rice In a small saucepan, cook the white rice according to package instructions. Once fully cooked, set aside and keep warm.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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!

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