Sausage, Red Beans and Rice

Start the rice on the stovetop or in your rice cooker.
I would normally cook 1 cup of raw rice for 4 servings.
This uses pre-cooked kielbasa sausage but you could
also use a smoked beef sausage or whatever else you have on hand.
If you like spicy food, you might add some Cajun seasoning to this.

Ingredients:
Rice:
1 cup white rice
2 cups water
1/2 tsp salt

Directions:
Rice:
Bring to simmer, stir, turn down the heat so it is barely simmering and cover. Let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, then stir and fluff with a fork. If the main dish is not ready, turn the heat off, cover the pan and let the rice sit while you finish up the sausage and beans.

Ingredients:
1 Tbs oil
1 onion, chopped
1/2 a red or green pepper, chopped
8 ounces cooked kielbasa sausage
2 cloves garlic, minced
seasoning to taste (Cajun or steak or whatever, just include some pepper!)
1 15-oz can diced tomatoes with juice (do not drain them!)
1 15-oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained or 1 cup homemade

Directions:
Heat the oil in a skillet and add the onion, cooking while you chop the pepper. Add the pepper and cook a few minutes, stirring now and then.
Cut the sausage into half lengthwise, then cut into 1/4″ slices (so you end up with small half circles). Add to the skillet. Add the garlic and seasonings. Cook 5 minutes or so, stirring.
Stir in the tomatoes and their juice plus the drained beans. Mix well and simmer until heated through. If you’re rice isn’t done yet, just turn the heat to low, cover, and wait, then serve over the rice.