Spanish Links
Spanish Links is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring seasoned pork sausage cooked with Spanish rice, tomatoes, and optional chili and onions for a savory, mildly spicy profile. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering, it combines bold flavors with simple ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown sausage in a large skillet.
- Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
- If using onions and chilies, wilt them in the skillet at this time.
- Add rice-vermicelli mix to the skillet.
- Continue cooking until vermicelli is slightly browned.
- Add hot water, contents of the seasoning packet, and chopped tomatoes (blended in a food processor).
- Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using chorizo instead of traditional sausage. Feel free to add bell peppers or garlic for additional flavor. If you prefer a heartier dish, include black beans or corn. Remember to adjust the cooking time if you add extra ingredients to ensure everything is cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spanish Links hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for brightness. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of avocado salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, then warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Links contains roughly 644 calories, with 12g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1471mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
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 brown rice instead of Rice-A-Roni?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but be aware that it will require a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Cook the rice according to package instructions and adjust the simmering time accordingly to ensure the rice is tender.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. Increase the vegetables, such as adding mushrooms or zucchini, to maintain the dish's heartiness while keeping it vegetarian.
What can I do if I don't have a food processor for the tomatoes?
If you don't have a food processor, you can use crushed tomatoes from a can or finely chop fresh tomatoes by hand. Just make sure to mix them well into the dish so that they blend with the rice and seasonings.
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).