This Smoked Sausage and Vegetable Rice Skillet is a hearty, one-pan dish that brings together the flavors of smoked sausage, fresh vegetables, and tender rice cooked in savory chicken broth. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying yet simple to prepare. With a balance of proteins, vegetables, and grains, this dish provides both nutrition and flavor. It’s also versatile—you can modify the vegetables or even the type of sausage to suit your personal preferences. Let’s get started on this delicious, savory meal!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 30 grams of butter (0.06 pounds)
• 1 cup of rice
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 white onion, finely chopped
• Vegetable oil (for sautéing)
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 100 grams of mushrooms (0.22 pounds), sliced
• 150 grams of smoked sausage (0.33 pounds), sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Chop the Vegetables: Begin by prepping your vegetables. Dice the onion, carrot, and red bell pepper. Slice the mushrooms and finely mince the garlic.
• Slice the Sausage: Cut the smoked sausage into thin slices. You can use any smoked sausage you prefer, such as kielbasa, chorizo, or andouille, depending on the flavor you want.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat the Oil and Butter: In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and the 30 grams of butter over medium heat. This combination adds richness to the dish.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add the Carrot and Bell Pepper: Next, toss in the diced carrot and red bell pepper. Cook these vegetables for an additional 5 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are soft and have released their moisture.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

5. Add the Sausage: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, making room for the smoked sausage slices. Let the sausage brown for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until it gets a nice, caramelized crust. This adds a smoky depth of flavor to the dish.
6. Mix Together: Once the sausage is browned, mix it in with the vegetables so the flavors start to meld.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

7. Add the Rice: Pour 1 cup of rice into the pan and stir it around for 1-2 minutes, coating the rice with the sausage and vegetable mixture. This step helps the rice absorb the flavors.
8. Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Make sure the rice is evenly spread out in the pan so it cooks evenly.
9. Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process, as this will let the steam escape and affect the cooking time.

Step 5: Serve the Dish

10. Fluff the Rice: Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice, mixing it well with the sausage and vegetables.
11. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and add more salt, pepper, or any other seasonings if necessary. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce if you want a spicier kick.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

12. Serve: Serve the Smoked Sausage and Vegetable Rice Skillet hot, either straight from the pan or plated individually.
13. Optional Garnishes: Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for added freshness.

Cooking Tips:

• Choosing the Sausage: Smoked sausage varieties like kielbasa or chorizo add a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish, but you can also use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a healthier or vegetarian option.
• Rice Choice: Long-grain white rice works best for this dish, but you can also use brown rice for a more nutritious option—just keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer for brown rice.
• Mushroom Tip: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can substitute them with zucchini or green beans.
• Vegetable Variations: This dish is highly adaptable; you can add in other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach to enhance its nutritional value.
• Extra Seasoning: Feel free to add additional seasonings such as cumin, paprika, or thyme to give the dish more layers of flavor.
• Crisping the Sausage: If you prefer extra crispy sausage, you can remove the sausage from the pan after browning it, then add it back in later to maintain its crispness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg (Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the specific sausage and ingredients used.)

FAQs:

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   • Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time will increase by 10-15 minutes and you may need to add more broth.
2. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
   • Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply let it cool completely, portion it out into airtight containers, and freeze. Reheat in a skillet or microwave when ready to eat.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   • Absolutely! You can swap the smoked sausage for a plant-based alternative or even omit the sausage altogether and add extra vegetables like beans or tofu.
4. What can I serve with this dish?
   • This dish is great on its own but can be paired with a light green salad or a side of garlic bread for a more complete meal.
5. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to rehydrate the rice.

Conclusion:

The Smoked Sausage and Vegetable Rice Skillet is a comforting, flavorful dish that is both filling and nutritious. With the smokiness of the sausage, the crunch from the vegetables, and the richness of the buttery rice, it’s a satisfying meal that can be whipped up in under an hour. Its versatility also makes it a great recipe for using whatever ingredients you have on hand, whether it’s a different type of sausage or vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Enjoy!