Thursday Quickie ~ Dirty Rice with Peppers

I came across this recipes years ago online, from a website called sparkpeople.com. At the time, I was using it to help lose weight and they have tons of recipes that are healthier than regular versions, changes to favorites, etc. This one I don't feel counts as a healthier recipe necessarily, but it sure is tasty and quick and easy to prepare! I've made a few little changes, but it's mostly to add more peppers and onions, and definitely more garlic (I love garlic!). The directions below are for the quick and easy version, but feel free to use all fresh ingredients and dice it all up yourself too! 

Dirty Rice with Peppers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground sweet Italian sausage (or links if you can't find ground)
• 1 bag frozen julienned bell peppers
• 1/2 bag frozen diced onions
• 6 garlic cloves, diced
• 1 box Zatarain's Lower Sodium Dirty Rice Mix
• 2 1/2 cups water
• Shredded or grated Parmesan cheese to taste

Directions:

1. Brown sausage in a large pan. If it is in links, remove from the casings and crumble. Drain and return to pan.
2. Add onion and garlic and saute until tender.
3. Add peppers and continue to saute until soft and most of the liquid has evaporated.
4. Add water and dirty rice mix, bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, stir, cover and simmer over low heat for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove from heat, let stand 5 minutes. Fluff and serve with Parmesan cheese. 

Enjoy! <3 Melissa