Dirty Red Beans and Rice Pilaf

from Chow Bella

1 cup uncooked instant brown rice

1/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup diced green bell pepper

1/2 lb lean turkey sausage

1 15-oz can red beans (or pinto beans) drained and rinsed

1/4 tsp dried oregano

1/4 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder

cayenne pepper, to taste, optional

1 3/4 cups water

non-stick cooking spray

salt and pepper, to taste

1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add the rice and pasta and dry-roast them until they are toasty brown and fragrant. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

2. Spray the saucepan with cooking spray and add the onion, garlic, bell pepper and sausage. Brown the sausage, onion, bell pepper, and garlic, then add the beans and all the spices including some salt and pepper. Coat the sausage mixture with the spices, then add the water. Turn the heat to high, bring the liquid to a boil, then add the toasted rice and pasta.

3. Cover the saucepan with a lid and lower the heat to a simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the rice from the heat and allow to sit with the lid on 5 more minutes, until all the water is evaporated. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

• Servings per recipe: 4

• Per serving:

• Calories: 362

• Fat: 12.1 g

• Saturated fat: 0 mg

• Cholesterol: 45 mg

• Sodium: 418 mg

• Carbohydrates: 68.1 g

• Sugar: 7.6 g

• Fiber: 1.6 g

• Protein: 22.1 g