Spicy Sausage Pilaf is a quick, filling main dish for four that pairs well with a green salad. The ease of browning spicy sausage combined with a low-sodium packaged rice pilaf blend makes Spicy Sausage Pilaf a sure-to-please dinner idea for many home cooks.
Originating in the Near East, historically a “pilaf” is a dish that begins with browned rice and has cooked meat or vegetables added to it. While Spicy Sausage Pilaf does not contain browned rice, the dish contains many traditional pilaf components.
SunWest Organic Basmati Medley Rice Pilaf Blend is a wonderful staple for rice lovers. Available in 48 oz. jars at Costco, this medley combines basmati rice, wild grain rice and vegetables with no added salt. SunWest Organic Basmati Medley Rice Pilaf Blend contains only 20 milligrams of sodium and 1 gram of fat per serving, and provides 4 grams of protein.
Spicy Sausage Pilaf contains ingredients that freeze very well for advanced planning and freezer-stocking days. After cooking, allow the Spicy Sausage Pilaf to cool for 30 minutes; then, place into a shallow airtight container, label and freeze. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best results. When reheating, use a food thermometer to ensure the Spicy Sausage Pilaf has been heated to at least 165 degrees.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spicy hot bulk sausage
- 1 cup diced sweet onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 10-ounce can Original Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles
- ½ teaspoon ground sage
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons beef base
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup SunWest Organic Basmati Medley Rice Pilaf Blend
Cooking Directions:
- In a large heavy skillet over medium heat, crumble and then brown the sausage and diced onion just until the sausage is cooked through but not crispy. Spoon off any excess drippings; discard when cooled.
- Add the minced garlic, stirring well, and sauté for two minutes.
- Add Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles, sage, cumin and beef base. Stir well to combine.
- Carefully stir in the water, add the Rice Pilaf Blend. Bring the mixture to a boil; reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid.
- Allow the Spicy Sausage Pilaf to simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Less Spicy Variation: Substitute mild sausage and Mild Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles.
It is possible to substitute a package of Near East Rice Pilaf mix, made by the Quaker Oats company, for the SunWest Organic Basmati Medley Rice Pilaf Blend. Adjust the water according to the package instructions.
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