New England Sausage and Rice

New England Sausage and Rice Recipe - Ingredients and Directions

Region / culture: New England, USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

New England Sausage and Rice is a classic comfort food dish that combines savory smoked sausage with sweet and tangy flavors. This hearty recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

This recipe has roots in traditional New England cuisine, where hearty and filling dishes are a staple. The combination of smoked sausage and rice is a popular comfort food in the region, with variations found in different households and restaurants.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of smoked country-style link sausage
0.33 cup of chopped onion
0.25 cup of catsup
2 tbsp of brown sugar (not packed)
0.5 tsp of prepared mustard
0.25 tsp of liquid smoke
0.25 tsp of salt
0.13 tsp of ground black pepper
1.5 cups of cooked rice

How to prepare

Cook the sausage in a small amount of water in a covered pan for 10 minutes. Remove the sausage and cut it into 2-inch pieces.
Combine the onion, catsup, brown sugar, mustard, liquid smoke, salt, pepper, and rice. Turn the mixture into a buttered 1 qt (946 ml) casserole dish. Arrange the sausage on top. Cover the dish. Bake it for 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F (177°C).

Variations

Swap out the smoked sausage for chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the rice mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use brown rice or quinoa in place of white rice for a healthier twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the sausage until it is fully cooked through before adding it to the casserole dish.

- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences, adding more or less salt, pepper, or liquid smoke as desired.

- For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked paprika or smoked salt in place of liquid smoke.

Serving Suggestions

Serve New England Sausage and Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the casserole dish allows the flavors to meld together and the sausage to become tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have liquid smoke, you can use smoked paprika or smoked salt for a similar flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice mixture and sausage ahead of time and assemble the casserole just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of New England Sausage and Rice contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of New England Sausage and Rice contains around 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

With the sausage as the main protein source, this dish provides about 12 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the sausage and may contain soy and dairy depending on the brand of sausage used.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a satisfying and filling option for a family dinner.

Summary

New England Sausage and Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner. With a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a crisp autumn day in New England, and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, pick apples from her orchard. As a thank you, she invited me into her cozy kitchen for a cup of tea and a slice of warm apple pie.

As we chatted by the crackling fire, Mrs. Jenkins mentioned that she had a new recipe she had been wanting to try out. It was for a dish called New England Sausage and Rice, a comforting and hearty meal that she had learned from her own grandmother many years ago. She described it as a perfect blend of savory sausage, tender rice, and aromatic herbs, all cooked together in one pot.

I was intrigued by the sound of this dish and begged Mrs. Jenkins to show me how to make it. She smiled, delighted by my enthusiasm, and we set to work gathering the ingredients. The recipe was simple, requiring just a few basic pantry staples and some fresh herbs from Mrs. Jenkins' garden.

We started by browning the sausage in a large skillet, letting it sizzle and release its flavorful juices. As the sausage cooked, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and onions, making my stomach growl in anticipation. Mrs. Jenkins then added in the rice, stirring it around to coat each grain in the rich sausage fat.

Next came the broth, a fragrant homemade chicken stock that Mrs. Jenkins had simmering on the stove. She poured it into the skillet, along with a handful of chopped herbs and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. The whole mixture bubbled and simmered, the rice absorbing the savory flavors and plumping up to a tender perfection.

As we waited for the rice to cook, Mrs. Jenkins regaled me with stories of her own grandmother, a formidable woman who had been the heart and soul of their family. She had been a skilled cook, able to whip up delicious meals from whatever ingredients she had on hand. Mrs. Jenkins had learned many of her recipes from her, passing them down through the generations.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of tantalizing smells, the New England Sausage and Rice was ready. Mrs. Jenkins spooned it into bowls, garnishing each with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. We sat down at her kitchen table, the fire crackling merrily in the background, and dug into our steaming bowls of comfort.

The first bite was heavenly. The sausage was rich and flavorful, the rice tender and perfectly cooked. The herbs added a fresh, aromatic note that lifted the dish to new heights. I couldn't believe something so simple could taste so delicious. Mrs. Jenkins smiled at my expression, pleased with my reaction.

As I savored each mouthful, I realized that this recipe was more than just a meal. It was a connection to the past, a link to generations of women who had cooked and shared food with love and care. I felt honored to have been a part of that tradition, to have learned this recipe from Mrs. Jenkins and her grandmother before her.

And so, that day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, I not only learned how to make New England Sausage and Rice, but I also gained a deeper appreciation for the power of food to bring people together, to nourish both body and soul. I carried that lesson with me as I continued to cook and bake, sharing the recipes and stories that had been passed down to me. And every time I make New England Sausage and Rice, I am reminded of that special day and the bond that food can create between generations.