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- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into coins - 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed - 1 medium onion, chopped - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) - Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish Each ingredient adds its own touch. The smoked sausage gives a rich flavor. The long-grain rice absorbs all the tasty juices. Onions, bell peppers, and garlic bring a fresh crunch and aroma. Diced tomatoes add moisture and sweetness. Chicken broth enhances the overall taste. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky kick. Feel free to add cayenne for some heat if you like spice. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can make your dish pop with color and taste. This mix of ingredients makes Smoked Sausage One-Pot Rice a simple yet flavorful meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Slicing smoked sausage: Start by slicing the smoked sausage into half-inch coins. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. This helps the sausage cook evenly and adds great flavor. - Chopping vegetables: Next, chop the onion and bell pepper into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves. This step adds texture and flavor to your dish. - Browning the sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s nicely browned. This step adds a rich, smoky taste to the meal. Once browned, set the sausage aside but keep the tasty fats in the pot. - Sautéing vegetables and spices: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes until the onions look clear. Then, stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you like heat. Cook this mix for just one minute to bring out the aromas. - Adding rice, tomatoes, and broth: Pour the rinsed rice into the pot. Stir it well so the rice gets coated with the sausage and veggies. Then add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Mix everything together and bring it to a boil. - Simmering and final steps: Once it boils, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes. The rice will absorb the broth and flavors. After 20 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the frozen peas and the browned sausage. Let everything heat for 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. To make your dish even tastier, adjust the spice levels. If you like more heat, add more cayenne pepper. Start with a little, then taste as you go. For a milder dish, skip it altogether. Using fresh herbs can brighten up flavors. Fresh parsley or cilantro adds a nice touch. Dried herbs work too, but the taste is not as strong. Use one tablespoon of fresh herbs or one teaspoon of dried herbs for a great boost. Rinsing rice is very important. It removes excess starch. This helps keep the rice from getting sticky. Rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. Even cooking is key for this dish. Stir the rice and liquid well before simmering. This ensures all the rice cooks evenly. If you notice some grains sticking to the bottom, gently stir them back in. Garnishing makes your dish look special. Top your one-pot rice with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. This adds color and freshness. You can also add lemon slices on the side for a zesty flavor. When serving, use deep bowls. This keeps the meal warm and looks inviting. Add a spoon or fork on the side for easy eating. Pro Tips Use Quality Sausage: Select high-quality smoked sausage for the best flavor. Look for brands that use natural ingredients without fillers. Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy. This helps achieve a light and fluffy texture. Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. For a milder dish, omit it entirely. Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit covered for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to firm up. {{image_2}} You can switch the smoked sausage for chicken or turkey sausage. These options keep the dish light and tasty. Chicken sausage adds a mild flavor, while turkey sausage gives a leaner choice. You can also add shrimp or other seafood for a twist. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice touch. Just toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking. If you want a vegetarian meal, replace the sausage with plant-based alternatives. Options like tofu or tempeh work well. They absorb flavors and add protein. You can also add more vegetables. Try zucchini, carrots, or spinach. They add color and nutrition. This way, you keep the dish vibrant and healthy. Changing spices can give you new flavors. You might add cumin or oregano for a different taste. Try adding a splash of soy sauce for umami. You can also swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. This keeps it vegetarian and adds depth. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations. You can keep smoked sausage one-pot rice in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This helps prevent the rice from drying out or absorbing other smells. Always let it cool to room temperature before you put it in the fridge. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Divide the rice into portions that fit in your freezer bags. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until it's hot all the way through. Making this dish in advance saves you time. You can cook a big batch and enjoy it for days. It’s easy to serve from the fridge or freezer. You can also pair it with a salad or some bread for a complete meal. Plus, the flavors get even better after a day in the fridge! Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook. You should increase the liquid to 2 ½ cups. Simmer for about 40-45 minutes, until the rice is tender. To add heat, use cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also add diced jalapeños. Another option is to serve with hot sauce on the side, so everyone can adjust the spice. This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a zesty touch, add lemon wedges on the side. In this post, we explored making a tasty smoked sausage one-pot rice dish. I shared key ingredients like smoked sausage, rice, and fresh veggies. You learned step-by-step instructions to prepare, cook, and combine these flavors. We also looked at tips to enhance flavor and ideas for variations. Plus, I covered storage options for your leftovers. This dish is easy and fun to make. You can adapt it to your taste and enjoy every bite!

Smoked Sausage One-Pot Rice Delight

A delicious one-pot meal featuring smoked sausage, rice, and vegetables, perfect for a quick dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into coins
  • 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley or cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
  • Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same pot. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until the onions become translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring well to coat the rice with the sausage and vegetables.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  • After 20 minutes, remove the pot from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the frozen peas and cooked sausage, allowing them to heat through for about 5 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls, topped with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Add lemon slices for a zesty touch.
Keyword one pot, quick meal, rice, sausage