Hawaiian Sausage and Rice

Hawaiian Sausage and Rice Recipe - A Taste of the Islands

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

Introduction

Hawaiian Sausage and Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the smoky taste of sausage with the sweetness of pineapple and the crunch of green peppers. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal with family and friends.

History

This recipe is inspired by the flavors of Hawaiian cuisine, which often incorporates a mix of sweet and savory ingredients. The combination of sausage, pineapple, and soy sauce is a popular flavor profile in Hawaiian cooking, creating a unique and delicious dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

1.25 lb (567 g) smoked country-style sausage
1 cup chopped onion
0.75 cup catsup
0.75 cup chicken broth
1 tsp prepared mustard
2 tbsp soy sauce
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
1 8- to 8-0.5 oz (14 g) can pineapple chunks in unsweetened pineapple juice* (drain; reserve juice)
1 large green pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
3 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Cook the sausage in 0.5 cup of water for approximately 5 minutes. Remove from the water and cut into thin slices.
Combine the sausage and onion in a large skillet. Cook until the onion is tender-crisp. Stir in catsup, broth, mustard, soy sauce, pepper, pineapple, and 0.5 cup of pineapple juice. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
Add the green pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Serve over fluffy rice.

Variations

Swap out the smoked sausage for chicken or shrimp for a lighter protein option.
Add diced carrots, celery, or broccoli to the dish for extra vegetables and nutrients.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier and heartier alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the sausage until it is browned and cooked through before adding it to the skillet with the other ingredients.

- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and pepper to suit your taste preferences.

- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the dish.

- Serve the Hawaiian Sausage and Rice over fluffy white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hawaiian Sausage and Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added flavor and color.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include browning the sausage, sautéing the onion and green pepper, and simmering the ingredients together to allow the flavors to meld. Be sure to cook the ingredients until they are tender and cooked through for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage for a lighter and meat-free option.

- Substitute pineapple chunks for crushed pineapple for a different texture.

- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sausage and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the mixture and serve it over freshly cooked rice for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hawaiian Sausage and Rice in a large serving bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the sausage and pineapple. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a glass of iced tea or pineapple juice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hawaiian Sausage and Rice contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the rice, onion, green pepper, and pineapple. These ingredients provide energy and fiber to help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the sausage and the small amount of oil used for cooking. While sausage can be high in saturated fats, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Proteins

The protein in this dish comes from the sausage, which is a good source of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an important nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the green pepper and pineapple. These nutrients are important for supporting the immune system and overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. Be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity.

Summary

Overall, Hawaiian Sausage and Rice is a balanced and nutritious meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy this dish as part of a well-rounded diet for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Summary

Hawaiian Sausage and Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of smoky sausage, sweet pineapple, and crunchy green pepper. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal with family and friends. Enjoy this flavorful dish as part of a well-rounded diet for a nutritious and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a warm summer day in Hawaii, and I was visiting my friend who lived on the island. She invited me over for dinner, and as soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the most amazing aroma. It was a combination of sweet and savory, with a hint of spice that made my mouth water.

My friend was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of sausage and rice. She explained to me that this was a traditional Hawaiian dish that her grandmother used to make for her when she was a little girl. The recipe had been passed down through generations, and my friend was kind enough to share it with me.

As I watched her cook, I was amazed at how simple and yet delicious the dish looked. The sausage was sizzling in a pan, releasing its juicy flavors, while the rice was cooking perfectly in a pot on the stove. My friend added in some onions, peppers, and pineapple chunks, giving the dish a tropical twist that I had never experienced before.

After a few minutes, the dish was ready, and my friend served it up in a big bowl for us to share. The first bite was a revelation. The sausage was perfectly cooked, with a smoky flavor that paired beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple. The rice was fluffy and flavorful, soaking up all the juices from the sausage and vegetables.

I couldn't get enough of it. I asked my friend for the recipe, and she gladly wrote it down for me. From that day on, Hawaiian Sausage and Rice became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for special occasions, for family gatherings, or just when I needed a taste of the islands.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, adding my own little twists and tweaks to make it my own. I experimented with different types of sausage, from spicy Italian to sweet and tangy chicken. I played around with the seasonings, adding in a dash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of ginger to enhance the flavors.

I shared the recipe with my own family, passing it down to my children and grandchildren. It became a beloved tradition in our household, a dish that we would make together on lazy Sunday afternoons or for holiday gatherings.

As I look back on that day in Hawaii, I am grateful for the friend who introduced me to this amazing recipe. It has become a part of my family's story, a connection to a place and a time that holds a special meaning for us.

And so, whenever I cook up a batch of Hawaiian Sausage and Rice, I am transported back to that sunny kitchen in Hawaii, surrounded by good friends and good food. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that last a lifetime. And for that, I am forever grateful.