Smoked Sausage and Rice – Easy One Pot Dinner Recipe

This Smoked Sausage and Rice recipe is your new weeknight hero. Imagine savory, smoky sausage mingling with fluffy rice, sweet peppers, and tender peas, all cooked together in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s ready in under an hour, perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a flavor explosion that the whole family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Weeknight Meal: This recipe is designed for speed and simplicity. One pot means fewer dishes, and the straightforward steps ensure a delicious dinner is on the table in no time.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The smoked sausage infuses the entire dish with a rich, savory flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the peppers and peas. Each bite is a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
• Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Feel free to swap out vegetables, try different types of sausage, or adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing and adding richness to the dish.
• Garlic: Minced finely, it brings a pungent aroma and savory depth that complements the other ingredients.
• Onions: Chopped and sautéed, they provide a sweet and aromatic base.
• Yellow and Red Capsicum (Bell Peppers): Cut into squares, they add sweetness, color, and a satisfying crunch.
• Smoked Sausage: The star of the show! Kransky or any other smoked sausage variety, sliced to release its smoky flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky sweetness and depth of flavor. Regular paprika can be substituted, but the smoked version is highly recommended.
• Long Grain White Rice: The perfect grain for soaking up all the delicious flavors. Other rice types can be used, but long grain is ideal for this one-pot method.
• Chicken Stock/Broth: Low sodium is preferred to control the salt level, but vegetable stock also works beautifully. Provides moisture and flavor to cook the rice.
• Frozen Peas: Thawed, they add a touch of sweetness and freshness to balance the savory flavors.
• Parsley: Chopped (optional), it adds a pop of fresh color and a bright, herbaceous note.

Variations

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in other vegetables like diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
• Different Sausage: Experiment with different types of sausage, such as chorizo, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
• Herbs: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a different aromatic profile.

How to Make Smoked Sausage and Rice

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-based pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausages and cook until they are nicely browned. Remove the sausages from the pot using a slotted spoon and set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Capsicum

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions and cook for about 2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the diced capsicum and cook for another 2 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the peppers are slightly softened.

Step 3: Add Rice, Stock, and Sausage

Add the uncooked long grain rice, chicken stock, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and the cooked sausages back to the pot. Stir everything together to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low so that the liquid is simmering very gently. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 5: Add Peas and Rest

Remove the pot from the heat. Quickly remove the lid, add the thawed frozen peas, and immediately replace the lid. Let the pot sit for 10 minutes. The residual heat will cook the peas.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

After 10 minutes, remove the lid. Add the chopped parsley (if using). Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, ensuring the peas are evenly distributed. Serve immediately and enjoy!

this Recipe

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Peek! Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice is cooking. This will release steam and can affect the cooking time and texture of the rice.
• Use a Heavy-Based Pot: A heavy-based pot will distribute heat more evenly, preventing the rice from burning on the bottom.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
• If you don’t have smoked paprika, normal paprika will do, but the smoked version really elevates the flavor.

How to Serve

This Smoked Sausage and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience with these serving suggestions:

• Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream adds a touch of freshness and richness.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the savory rice and sausage.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for soaking up any delicious juices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Smoked Sausage and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the rice and sausage in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the rice seems dry. Heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

While this recipe is specifically designed for long grain white rice, brown rice requires a different liquid ratio and cooking time. If you want to use brown rice, you’ll need to adjust the recipe accordingly. It may require more liquid and a longer cooking time.

2. Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked sausage?

Absolutely! Fresh sausage can be used, but it will alter the flavor profile of the dish. Brown the fresh sausage thoroughly in the pot before adding the onions and garlic. This will render some of the fat from the sausage and add extra flavor to the dish.

3. How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot?

Using a heavy-based pot and maintaining a low simmer are key to preventing the rice from sticking. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent moisture loss.

4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute the smoked sausage with a plant-based sausage or leave it out altogether. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or diced sweet potatoes to make the dish more substantial.

Final Thoughts

This Smoked Sausage and Rice is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss. So grab your favorite smoked sausage, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious one-pot dinner that will quickly become a family favorite!

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