Sausage, Beans and Rice (Gluten-free)

Let's be honest, this sounds like a pretty smile recipe. But I try to avoid the boxed rice varieties just because they are full of fillers and preservatives. So this recipe is really about how to make the Cajun flavored rice portion of this popular dish without having to buy a boxed rice. It's also gluten-free when you make it yourself, most boxed versions are not. I also recommend buying a nitrate-free all natural gluten-free sausage. If you can't find them in the longer links, you can usually find with the bun-sized smoke sausages. There are lots of chicken and turkey varieties out there with less fat as well. For the beans, we use Bush's brand because all of their brands are gluten free. Many other brands use wheat as a thickening agent. We are not a gluten-free household, but my little sister who visits for dinner frequently does have celiac disease, so I always plan a few gluten free meals each week.

Ingredients:

• 2 cup instant brown rice
• 1 can chicken broth
• 2 Tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 tsp minced garlic or garlic powder
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 link gluten-free smoked sausage (or kielbasa or andouille)
• 1 can Bush's Chili Beans

Cook rice according to package directions except substitute chicken broth for water. You may need to add just a bit more water to get the correct rice to broth ratio. While rice is cooking, heat the oil/butter in pan over med/high heat and add pepper, onion and garlic. Cook until veggies get tender.

 Add cooked rice and remaining spices to the pan with cooked veggies. Cook on low. Meanwhile slice sausage and cook in separate skillet over med/high heat until cooked thoroughly. Add sausage and can of beans to the rice and cook over medium until heated thoroughly.

You can substitute any gluten free beans, but if they are not chili beans just increase the chili powder to 1 1/2 teaspoons.