Country Skillet

Country Skillet Recipe | North American Pork Sausage and Apple Skillet

Region / culture: North America, USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Country Skillet is a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory pork sausage with sweet apples and creamy rice. This one-skillet meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy night in.

History

The origins of Country Skillet are unclear, but it is likely a variation of traditional American comfort food recipes that have been passed down through generations. This dish combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying and delicious meal.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) bulk pork sausage
1 small tart cooking apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
0.5 cup chopped celery
0.5 cup chopped onion (red, white, or yellow only)
2 cups cooked rice
1 x 10.75 oz (305 g) can condensed cream of chicken soup
0.25 cup chicken broth or water
0.5 cup (2 oz (57 g)) shredded cheese (colby, cheddar, American, swiss, or monterey jack)

How to prepare

Cook the sausage in a medium skillet until it is done, stirring to crumble it.
Pour off the excess fat and return 1 tbsp of it to the skillet.
Add the apple, celery, and onion to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Blend in the rice, soup, and broth, and heat the mixture thoroughly.
Sprinkle the dish with cheese and allow it to melt before serving.
If desired, serve the dish with other pork or vegetable dishes.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the pork sausage for a lighter version of the dish.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the sausage thoroughly before adding the vegetables to the skillet.

- Use a tart cooking apple, such as Granny Smith, for a nice contrast to the savory sausage.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

Serving Suggestions

Country Skillet can be served as a standalone meal or paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the sausage thoroughly to ensure it is safe to eat.

- Allow the cheese to melt over the dish before serving for a gooey and delicious finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of apple you prefer in place of the tart cooking apple.

- Swap out the monterey jack cheese for cheddar or mozzarella if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Country Skillet can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Country Skillet in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Country Skillet pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. A glass of white wine or apple cider complements the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Country Skillet in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Country Skillet contains around 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Country Skillet is a carb-heavy dish due to the rice and apple. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The pork sausage and cheese in Country Skillet contribute to the fat content of the dish. Each serving contains around 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

The pork sausage is the main source of protein in Country Skillet, with each serving containing approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Country Skillet is a good source of vitamin C from the apple and celery. It also contains calcium and iron from the cheese and sausage.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and pork sausage, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Country Skillet is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also offers vitamins and minerals from the apple, celery, and cheese.

Summary

Country Skillet is a delicious and comforting meal that combines savory pork sausage with sweet apples and creamy rice. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy night in and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this hearty meal with your favorite sides for a satisfying dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little farmhouse in the countryside. As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by the delicious aroma of something cooking on the stove.

Margaret, being the gracious hostess that she was, immediately invited me into the kitchen to see what she was whipping up. As I peeked over her shoulder, I saw her bustling about, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to a sizzling skillet on the stove. The smell was intoxicating, a perfect blend of savory and sweet that made my mouth water.

"What are you making, Margaret?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

She turned to me with a twinkle in her eye and a mischievous smile on her face. "Oh, just a little something I like to call Country Skillet. It's a family recipe that has been passed down through the generations. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I nodded eagerly, my stomach rumbling in anticipation. Margaret guided me through each step of the recipe, patiently explaining the importance of seasoning and timing. As we worked side by side, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill and confidence in the kitchen. She moved with such grace and ease, as if she had been born with a spatula in hand.

As the dish came together, Margaret ladled it onto two plates and we sat down at the kitchen table to enjoy our creation. The first bite was pure bliss, a symphony of flavors that danced on my tongue. I savored every bite, soaking in the warmth and comfort of the meal.

After we had finished eating, I thanked Margaret for sharing her recipe with me. She smiled warmly and patted my hand, saying, "Cooking is all about love, my dear. When you pour your heart and soul into a dish, it always tastes better."

Those words stayed with me long after I had left Margaret's farmhouse. I found myself yearning to recreate the magic of that Country Skillet in my own kitchen, to share it with my loved ones and pass on the tradition to future generations.

Over the years, I experimented with the recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it my own. I shared it with friends and family, who raved about its deliciousness and begged for the secret behind its savory goodness. And each time I made it, I felt a connection to Margaret and the generations of women who had come before me, sharing their culinary wisdom and love.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, stirring the bubbling skillet on the stove, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The laughter shared with Margaret, the joy of discovering a new recipe, the satisfaction of creating something delicious with my own two hands.

And as I sit down at the table to enjoy a steaming plate of Country Skillet, I am filled with a sense of wonder once again. Wonder at the power of food to bring people together, to nourish both body and soul, to create lasting memories that will be cherished for generations to come.