Red Rice With Sausage
A hearty dish of red rice and sausage with flavorful sautéed vegetables, ideal for comforting family dinners and those craving bold, savory tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute diced onion, diced green pepper, and margarine until vegetables are softened.
- Add tomato paste and water; bring to a boil.
- Add rice and stir well.
- Add sliced, fried, and drained sausage.
- Stir and bring to a slow boil.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Halfway through cooking, stir and add water if necessary.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. You can substitute the smoked sausage with turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a healthier option. If you're looking for a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables. This dish also pairs well with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Red Rice With Sausage makes a hearty main dish, perfect for a family dinner. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside cornbread or even pairing it with a light dessert like Simple Lemon Icebox Pie to finish off the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying, and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a little water as needed to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Rice With Sausage contains roughly 3131 calories, with 8g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 332g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2899mg per serving (126% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of long grain rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the water ratio to about 4 1/2 cups and increase the simmering time to about 60-70 minutes until the rice is tender.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the simmering stage and then refrigerate it. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove, adding a bit of water if necessary, until warmed through.
What can I add to make this dish more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional profile, consider adding a cup of frozen peas or diced carrots during the last 10 minutes of cooking. You can also include some leafy greens like spinach or kale, which wilt beautifully and add extra vitamins.
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).