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- 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 pound smoked sausage (chicken or turkey sausage), sliced - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Lime wedges for serving You can add fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor. Lime wedges bring a nice zing when squeezed over the dish. Try adding avocado slices for creaminess. Serve with hot sauce for extra heat. You can swap long-grain rice for brown rice, but cooking time will change. Use vegetable broth or chicken broth based on your taste. For a lighter option, try turkey sausage instead of smoked sausage. If you want it spicy, add jalapeños or use a spicier sausage. If you're vegan, replace the sausage with mushrooms or tempeh. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing the rice. This helps remove extra starch. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mix to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. Check that the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove the pan from heat, keeping the lid on. Let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the rice become fluffy. While the rice cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté it for 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute until you smell the garlic. Now, add 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 diced green bell pepper. Cook these for 5 minutes until they soften. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything well to blend the flavors. Now it’s time for the sausage. Add 1 pound of sliced smoked sausage to the skillet. Cook this mix for 6-8 minutes until the sausage heats through and gets a bit brown. Finally, fold in 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans. Let this cook for another 5 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to meld together. Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork. Serve the rice on plates, topped with the sausage and black bean mixture. For a fresh touch, garnish with cilantro. Serve lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish. The lime adds a bright flavor that lifts the meal. Enjoy your delicious black beans and rice with sausage! To make perfect rice, use a 2:1 ratio of liquid to rice. I prefer vegetable broth for extra flavor. Rinse the rice first to remove excess starch. This helps keep the grains separate. Bring the broth to a boil before adding the rice. Once boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. After cooking, let it rest for 5 minutes covered. Fluff gently with a fork for a light texture. If you like it spicy, add more cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. For milder flavors, reduce or skip the cayenne altogether. You can also add a splash of lime juice to cool the heat. Fresh cilantro also adds a refreshing touch. Remember, it's better to start mild and build up the spice. For a beautiful presentation, serve the rice in a bowl. Top it with the sausage and black bean mix. Use fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Arrange lime wedges around the bowl for a splash of green. You can also sprinkle extra smoked paprika on top for added flair. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoying your dish should be as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds! Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can always add hot sauce at the table for those who like it spicy! Rest the Rice: Letting the rice rest after cooking helps it become fluffier and prevents it from becoming mushy. Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh cilantro as a garnish adds a burst of flavor. Consider adding other herbs like parsley or green onions for variation. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheats well. Store the sausage and bean mixture separately to maintain the rice's texture. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Simply leave out the sausage. Use plant-based sausage for a good substitute. You can also add more veggies. Try corn, zucchini, or mushrooms. These add flavor and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for cooking the rice. This keeps everything plant-based. If you want to switch the protein, you have choices. Chicken works well. Just cut it into small pieces and cook it with the veggies. Shrimp is another great option. Add it in the last few minutes of cooking. Tofu can also be a nice protein. Cube it and sauté with the onion and garlic. Each protein gives a different taste and feel to the dish. Playing with spices is a fun way to change this meal. You can add herbs like oregano or thyme for a fresh twist. For a kick, try using chipotle powder instead of cayenne. If you want a sweeter flavor, add a dash of cinnamon. Lemon zest can brighten up the dish too. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor profile! After you make this dish, let it cool first. Once cooled, store the leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. This dish reheats well, so you can enjoy it again! To reheat, place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Stir often until it is hot throughout. You can also use the microwave. Put the food in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir and check if it's warm. If not, heat for another minute. If you want to freeze your dish, put it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. This meal will stay good for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. To eat it later, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice has more fiber than white rice. However, it takes longer to cook. You will need about 45 minutes for brown rice instead of 15-18 minutes. Also, use 2 and a half cups of vegetable broth instead of 2 cups. I recommend smoked sausage, like chicken or turkey. Smoked sausage adds great flavor. You can also use spicy sausage if you like heat. Just make sure to slice it thin for even cooking. To make it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce. You can also use spicy sausage for more heat. If you prefer it milder, reduce the cayenne pepper. You can also skip the hot sauce and use sweet sausage. You learned about key ingredients and step-by-step cooking for a delicious dish. I shared tips for perfect rice and tasty adjustments. You can adapt the recipe for different diets or tastes. Proper storage and reheating ensure you enjoy leftovers later. Use the FAQ section to clarify common questions. Cooking can be fun and easy with these methods. Enjoy creating your unique meal, and don’t hesitate to experiment!

Spicy Southern Comfort: Black Beans & Rice with Sausage

A flavorful dish combining black beans, rice, and smoked sausage with a spicy kick.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 pound smoked sausage (chicken or turkey), sliced
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • to garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet, cooking for another 5 minutes until softened.
  • Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, mixing everything well to combine the flavors.
  • Add the sliced sausage to the skillet, cooking for about 6-8 minutes until it's heated through and slightly browned.
  • Fold in the rinsed black beans, and let the mixture cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing everything to meld together.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork and serve it on plates topped with the sausage and black bean mixture.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Notes

Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword black beans, comfort food, rice, sausage, spicy