Barbecued One-dish Meal

Barbecued One-dish Meal Recipe: Sausage, Green Beans, and Rice

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

The Barbecued One-dish Meal is a hearty, flavorful recipe that combines the smokiness of barbecue with the convenience of a single pot preparation. This dish is perfect for those who love the taste of barbecue but don't want to spend hours grilling outdoors. With smoked sausage as its main ingredient, this recipe brings a robust flavor profile that is complemented by the sweetness of brown sugar and the tanginess of mustard and catsup. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round, making it a favorite among families and barbecue enthusiasts alike.

History

The origins of the Barbecued One-dish Meal can be traced back to the southern United States, where barbecue is not just a cooking method but a cultural tradition. This recipe takes inspiration from traditional barbecue techniques and ingredients, adapting them for a quick and easy preparation that can be enjoyed at home. The use of smoked sausage links back to the practice of smoking meats to preserve them, while the combination of sweet and tangy flavors reflects the diverse culinary influences that have shaped southern barbecue over the years.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) smoked country-style link sausage
0.5 cup water
1 x 16 oz (454 g) can cut green beans
1 cup chopped onion
1 tbsp vegetable oil or bacon drippings
0.75 cup catsup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp prepared mustard
1.5 tsp liquid smoke flavoring
2 bouillon cubes
3 cup cooked rice

How to prepare

In a pot, cover the sausage with water and cook for approximately 5 minutes.
Remove the sausage from the water and cut it into 1-inch pieces.
Drain the beans, but make sure to reserve the liquid.
In a separate pan, cook the onion in oil.
Add 0.5 cup of the reserved bean liquid, along with catsup, brown sugar, mustard, smoke flavoring, and bouillon cubes.
Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in the rice and season to taste.
Cover the pot and continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes.

Variations

For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Substitute the green beans with corn or mixed vegetables for a different flavor profile.
Use brown rice instead of white rice for added nutritional benefits.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best flavor and texture in your Barbecued One-dish Meal, consider the following tips:

- Use high-quality smoked sausage for a richer taste.

- Brown the sausage pieces slightly before adding them to the pot for added depth of flavor.

- Adjust the amount of liquid smoke according to your preference for a smokier or milder flavor.

- Simmer the dish uncovered if you prefer a thicker sauce, or cover it to keep the sauce more liquid.

- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, as the flavors will develop and change during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Barbecued One-dish Meal hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. It pairs well with a simple green salad or coleslaw and cornbread on the side for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe primarily uses simmering as the cooking technique, which allows the flavors to meld together and the sausage to become tender. Sautéing the onions before adding them to the pot enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bacon drippings, you can use olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice.

- Maple syrup or honey can be used in place of brown sugar for a different type of sweetness.

- Chicken or beef broth can be used instead of the bouillon cubes and water for more flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The Barbecued One-dish Meal can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this dish in a large, rustic pot or individual bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra touch of barbecue flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp beer or a glass of dry white wine complements the flavors of this dish well. For a non-alcoholic option, try iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water if necessary to prevent sticking, or in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of the Barbecued One-dish Meal contains approximately 450 calories. This makes it a moderately high-calorie dish, suitable for a main meal.

Carbohydrates

This dish contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the rice and the sugar in the sauce. The green beans also contribute a small amount of carbohydrates, as well as dietary fiber.

Fats

The Barbecued One-dish Meal contains about 20 grams of fat per serving. The majority of this fat comes from the smoked sausage and the bacon drippings used in cooking. Using leaner sausage or substituting the bacon drippings with a healthier oil can reduce the fat content.

Proteins

Each serving of this dish provides approximately 25 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and muscle-building option. The protein comes mainly from the smoked sausage, with additional contributions from the green beans and rice.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C from the catsup and onions, iron and zinc from the sausage, and various B vitamins from the rice and green beans. It also provides dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include gluten (in some brands of sausage and bouillon cubes) and soy (in some brands of catsup and liquid smoke). Always check the labels of your ingredients if you have food allergies.

Summary

Overall, the Barbecued One-dish Meal is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and paired with a variety of other foods.

Summary

The Barbecued One-dish Meal is a flavorful, satisfying recipe that combines the essence of barbecue with the ease of a one-pot meal. With its rich history and versatile ingredients, it's a dish that can be adapted to suit any taste or occasion. Whether you're a barbecue aficionado or simply looking for a hearty meal to share with family and friends, this recipe is sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Barbecued One-dish Meal. It was a sunny summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, in her cozy little cottage by the lake. Mrs. Jenkins was known far and wide for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I was eager to learn some of her culinary secrets.

As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping tea and chatting about this and that, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly reached into a tattered old recipe box and pulled out a faded index card. She handed it to me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Here, my dear," she said, "this is a recipe that has been passed down in my family for generations. It's a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for summer barbecues and family gatherings."

I eagerly read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of the savory flavors that would come together in this one-dish meal. It was a simple recipe, but one that promised to be full of flavor and texture.

After thanking Mrs. Jenkins profusely for sharing her recipe with me, I tucked the index card into my purse and made a mental note to try it out as soon as possible. Little did I know at the time that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire, loved by my own family and friends for years to come.

When I returned home that evening, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients for the Barbecued One-dish Meal. As I chopped vegetables, marinated the meat, and prepared the dish according to Mrs. Jenkins' instructions, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation.

The aroma that wafted through my kitchen as the dish cooked in the oven was simply heavenly. I knew from that moment on that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the warm summer day when Mrs. Jenkins had shared it with me.

As I sat down to enjoy the Barbecued One-dish Meal with my family that evening, I watched their faces light up with delight as they took their first bites. The flavors were rich and savory, the textures perfectly balanced, just as Mrs. Jenkins had promised.

From that day on, the Barbecued One-dish Meal became a regular feature on our family's dinner table. It was a dish that brought us together, evoking memories of summer days spent by the lake, of Mrs. Jenkins' cozy cottage and her warm hospitality.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time with a sense of pride and nostalgia. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition that Mrs. Jenkins had so generously shared with me.

As I sit here now, looking back on that sunny summer day when I first learned to make the Barbecued One-dish Meal, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships and memories that have been woven into this simple recipe. It is a reminder of the joys of cooking and sharing good food with the ones we love, a tradition that I will continue to cherish for years to come.