Smoky Red Beans and Rice with Sausage
Longtime Scramble fan Jennifer Gross shared this recipe for a filling and quick weeknight meal. For a meatless version, use vegetarian sausage or bacon, or an extra can of beans instead.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups white or quick-cooking brown rice
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 yellow onion finely diced
- 1/2 - 1 lb. smoked turkey or vegetarian sausage (use wheat/gluten-free, if needed), diced
- 15 oz. diced tomatoes with their liquid
- 15 oz. canned red kidney beans (preferably with no sugar added)(or use 1 1/2 cups home-cooked beans for every 15 oz. can), drained and rinsed
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper or use 1 tsp. chili powder for milder taste, or more to taste
- 4 whole wheat tortillas (use wheat/gluten free, if needed) optional
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to the package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a large heavy skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Cook the onions and sausage, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown, about 8 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, beans, and cayenne pepper and bring it to a boil. Cover it, reduce the heat, and simmer it until the rice is ready, or about 10 minutes.
- You can mix the sausage and onions with the rice and beans and serve it rolled in a warm tortilla, or serve the sausage and bean mixture on top of the rice. Serve it immediately or refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
Slow Cooker Directions
- Add all ingredients except the rice, oil, and tortillas to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and cook on low for 3 - 6 hours. Before serving, cook the rice according to the package directions and serve the sausage and bean mixture on top, or wrap all the ingredients in a tortilla and serve as burritos. (Slow cooker cooking times may vary—Get to know your slow cooker and, if necessary, adjust cooking times accordingly.)
Notes
Do Ahead or Delegate: Cook the rice, dice the onion and sausage and refrigerate the sausage, or fully prepare and refrigerate the dish.
Scramble Flavor Booster: Use spicy sausage and a little extra cayenne pepper.
Tip: Need one more reason to eat beans, whole grains, and lots of fruits and veggies? A recent study determined that these healthy, fiber-rich foods are more effective in providing a feeling of satiety and fullness than eating packaged foods (think snack bars) that are fortified with fiber.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (% based upon daily values): Calories 300, Total Fat: 9g, 13.5%; Saturated Fat: 2g, 12%; Cholesterol: 38mg, 12%; Sodium: 630mg, 27%; Total Carbohydrate: 44g, 15%; Dietary Fiber: 6g, 24%; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 15g
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