Sausage Pepper and Onion Rice...well sort of :)

I don't know where I originally got my first version of this recipe using pork sausage and pasta. But tonight I made a healthier version of a yummy meal I like to sausage and pepper pasta making it with rice instead. Its easy, quick and has few ingredients!

Ingredients:

1 package chicken sausage, meat removed from casing
1 small or half medium onion, diced
1 small jar pimentos
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups brown rice cooked in chicken broth
Black or red pepper to taste (optional)

After removing sausage from casing, place meat and onions in a saute pan (non stick does not work as well here!!). Let brown and stir frequently. Once sausage starts to firm up, start to break it up with a spoon. The meat will stick to the pan once it starts to really brown. THIS IS GOOD! Once the meat is cooked through, add 1 cup of the chicken broth. Use the liquid to release the browning on the pan. It will turn the broth a golden brown color and that carmalization creates a delicious flavor. Next add the remaining cup of broth and pimentos. Bring liquid to a boil and then reduce heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes or until rice is ready. Add some black or red pepper if you would like. Make rice using the broth for added flavor, although water will do if you are short on broth. Add cooked rice to the pan and remove from heat. Let the rice soak in the flavor for about 5 minutes. Serve with some grated parm or on its own!!

Brown Sausage and Onion together

Add broth and pimentos

Sausage and Pepper with Brown Rice

Notes on this dish: I usually make this with regular sausage and put it over pasta but I am trying to eat allittle better now. However, if you choose to put it over pasta, you may want to add some cornstarch to the broth before adding it to the sausage. This will thicken your sauce and make it stick to the pasta! I prefer Goya brand pimentos because I think they add great flavor and I also use Nature's Promise Organic Culinary Stock that is low in sodium but has a ton of added flavor as well!