Good Pilaw

A hearty, flavorful pilaw featuring savory ham and sausage with aromatic rice, perfect for a comforting meal that appeals to meat lovers and those seeking quick, satisfying dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 can ham shank
  • 1 lb. Hillshire sausage
  • 1/2 cup rice
  • 1 package dry onion soup mix
  • 3 cups water

Instructions

  1. Bring water to a boil and add all ingredients.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Cover the pot and turn off the heat.
  4. Let it set for 20 minutes before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider sautéing some diced onions and bell peppers before adding the other ingredients. You can substitute the rice with quinoa for a healthier twist or use brown rice for a nuttier flavor, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you want a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne. This dish is great for using up leftovers, so feel free to experiment.

Serving Suggestions

This pilaw can be served as a hearty main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with Sauerkraut And Tomatoes Casserole for a delightful meal. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch, and consider serving with crusty bread to soak up any flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the pilaw in a skillet over medium heat, covering it to steam and warm through evenly. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Good Pilaw contains roughly 514 calories, with 18g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1712mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).

514 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.5g 37% DV
Total Fat 8g 10% DV
Carbs 92g 33% DV
Fiber 1.8g 6% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1711.7mg 74% DV
Potassium 285.1mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 25.8mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Calcium 39.8mg 3% DV
Iron 3.9mg 22% DV
Diet fit Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! You can substitute the Hillshire sausage with any smoked sausage or even a spicy chorizo for added flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the sausage type, so ensure it is fully cooked before serving.

Is there a vegetarian version of this pilaw?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham shank and sausage. Replace them with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, and enhance the flavor with vegetable broth instead of water and additional spices.

How can I enhance the flavor of the rice?

To boost the flavor, consider toasting the rice in a bit of oil before adding it to the pot. You can also replace some of the water with chicken or vegetable broth. Adding a bay leaf or a few sprigs of thyme during cooking can also impart a lovely aroma.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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