Red Beans and Rice

Modified from a Southern Living recipe. One of my favorites to freeze (without the rice) for a quick dinner in a flash!

Ingredients:
1 pound smoked sausage, thinly sliced (I use turkey sausage)
1 small-medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced OR 1-2 tablespoons pre-minced garlic from a jar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 (15 oz.) cans red beans, rinsed and drained
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can stewed tomatoes, undrained and chopped (I use kitchen shears to chop them in the can)
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (or more!)
Hot cooked rice (I use 2 bags of Boil-in-Bag rice for quick rice)
(OPTIONAL: shredded cheddar cheese to garnish--especially when serving kids!)

Directions:
Saute' sausage in hot oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until slightly browned. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot and cook until vegetables are tender (around 8 minutes). Add the beans and next 6 ingredients.

Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve over hot rice.

My recipe also suggests serving this dish with a green salad and French bread.

Posted by: Leigh