Red Beans, Rice and Sausage

Ingredients:
1 package Kielbasa, cut diagonally into ¼ inch slices
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 clove chopped garlic or 2 tablespoons prepared minced garlic
2 cans red beans, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
Creole seasoning, to taste (optional)
White or whole wheat rice

Directions:
1. In a large skillet over low heat, cook sausage for about 5 minutes. Stir in onion, pepper and garlic; sauté until tender. Pour in beans and tomatoes with juice. Season with salt, pepper and creole seasoning.
2. Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes.
3. Prepare rice according to package directions. Spoon sausage mixture over top of rice.

Here are the major players. I used the minced garlic in the jar because it's easy and I was in the mood for easy.



The Kielbasa sausage ready to go in the skillet.



The sausage and the onion. Be sure the onion is tender before you add the rest of the ingredients.



The mixture needs to simmer at least 20 minutes. Your house will smell amazing about right now.



I used whole wheat rice and we did just fine. After this photo was taken, I immediately mixed my rice with the red beans and sausage mixture. Because I just like it that way (think mashed potatoes and peas - some things are just meant to be together).