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2 to 4 hot or sweet Italian sausages, coarsely chopped
540-mL can undrained tomatoes, or seasoned stewed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
1 tsp dried basil, or 2 to 4 tbsp coarsely chopped fresh basil
1/2 tsp salt
1 sweet bell pepper, or zucchini, chopped
Place a large wide saucepan over medium-high heat and add sausages. Stir occasionally as they brown, about 8 minutes. Drain off any fat.
Add can of tomatoes, including juice. Break up tomatoes with a fork. Stir in 1 can of water (about 2-1/4 cups), rice and basil. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and bring to a boil. As soon as the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low. Then, simmer for 20 minutes, stirring once partway through.
Stir in pepper or zucchini. Cover and simmer for 5 more minutes. Serve with a Caesar salad and fresh fruit.
With five minutes' preparation, you can have a one-pot hot dinner on the table in about half an hour. And check out the suggestions below for more ideas.
Omit sausages and add a can of drained beans, lentils or chickpeas when you add vegetables. Or stir in grated Parmesan or cheddar or a crumbling of feta or goat cheese.
Instead of basil, stir in 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon each of dry mustard, leaf thyme and garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. For a truly fiery taste, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
Other vegetables that work well in this recipe are frozen corn, peas, stir-fry or mixed vegetables. Instead of sausages, use bacon, ground beef or chicken, strips of chicken breasts or whole chicken thighs. For a great low-fat choice with a smoky taste, stir in cubes of smoked chicken or turkey after the mixture has simmered for 5 minutes.