Kielbasa and Rice

Name: Kielbasa and Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup white rice ((uncooked)); 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 14 ounce kielbasa ((sliced)); 1 red pepper (chopped); 1 onion (chopped); salt to taste

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Kielbasa and rice is an easy and inexpensive meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. This dish is loaded with seared kielbasa sausage, sauteed peppers and onions, and white rice cooked in chicken broth and seasonings. This meal can be on your table in only twenty minutes!

Ingredients You Need

White rice - You can use your favorite variety of rice, just adjust the cooking accordingly.
Chicken broth - Chicken stock also works. If you use low sodium broth or stock just be mindful that you may need to add more salt to the dish.
Tomato paste - This is optional, but it adds flavor and color reminiscent of an ad hoc jambalaya.
Seasonings: Paprika and black pepper. Garlic powder could also be added if you would like.
Kielbasa - Other similar sausages can be substituted as well.
Red pepper - Or you can use another sweet pepper.
Onion - Yellow or sweet onions will be best.

Prepped ingredients for making Kielbasa and rice.

How to Make it

Here is the basic summary: You will cook everything, then combine it together. Pretty easy, right?

Start by cooking the rice. We cook the rice in chicken broth because it adds more flavor than using water. We also add the tomato paste, paprika, and black pepper while the rice cooks so it can absorb into the rice.

While the rice cooks sear off your kielbasa in a large skillet. It will render fat as it cooks but you can help it be adding some cooking oil. Once the sausage is seared, add the peppers and onion and saute them until tender.

Once the rice, sausage, peppers, and onions are all cooked, combine them together in the large skillet and serve.

Expert tips and tricks

You should be able to saute the peppers and onion in the rendered fat from the sausage, but if the sausage is too lean you may have to add some cooking oil.
Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Celery, parsley, and garlic would all be great options.

Kielbasa and rice meal shown from above.

FAQs

What is kielbasa good with?

Kielbasa is a mildly flavored sausage that pairs well with peppers, onions, cabbage, potatoes, rice, noodles, or dumplings. The sausage is versatile enough to use in a wide array of meals.

Is kielbasa already cooked?

Most commonly kielbasa sausage is sold already cooked and ready to eat. However, you should always look at the packaging to confirm this prior to snacking on any uncooked pieces.

How long do you cook kielbasa in a frying pan?

Sliced kielbasa cooks quickly in a frying pan and can be ready in less than five minutes. Whole kielbasa should be cooked on a lower heat because it will take longer, ten minutes or so, depending on the heat. The kielbasa is done cooking when it is heated through.

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