Red Beans & Rice

December 26, 2011

Written by Contributing Writer, Sarah Farthing

This is a weeknight staple in our house; the ingredients are easy to keep on hand, the recipe is simple and easy to memorize, it’s quick to make and easy to clean up! My mom made this when I was growing up and it has stuck with me as a very satisfying comfort food.

Red Beans & Rice

Ingredients:

1 tsp oil or butter

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 can petit-diced tomatoes, drained

1 can red beans (or substitute kidney, black, etc…)

1 tablespoon oregano

1 1/2 cups white or brown rice, cooked

1 package smoked beef sausage, sliced (optional)

chili powder to taste (optional)*

1 package mozzarella cheese for topping

1 package tortillas (optional)

Directions:

Heat oil or butter. Cook onion, garlic and sliced sausage until onions are tender, but not browned, and sausage is heated through, stirring constantly. Add tomatoes, beans, oregano and chili powder (if desired). Cover and reduce heat. Simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cooked rice. Serve in bowls or rolled in tortillas with shredded mozzarella cheese.

*I don’t use chili powder but I know some families like to spice up dinner!

**I start my rice on the stove according to the package directions and while I’m waiting for it to boil I chop my onion and garlic and slice the smoked sausage. When it’s time to reduce the heat on the rice and let it simmer for 15 minutes, I heat up the oil and get my onion, garlic and sausage going in the skillet. The bean mixture is always ready just about the time the rice is finished.

Hope you had a fabulous Christmas!!

Do you have a sure-fire recipe to share with us?! E-mail sarah@thegoodstuffguide.com