One Pot Rice Cooker Sausage and Peppers

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The humble rice cooker is finally getting the recognition it deserves for being the fantastic kitchen workhorse that it is. This may come as a surprise, but even though its called a rice cooker, it doesnt mean it only cooks rice. In fact, you can make an entire meal in your rice cooker, and some of them, like the KitchenAid rice and grain cooker, go so far as to cook beans, too. Cooking with this appliance is really just as easy as any slow cooker meal. If youre looking to try an easy dump meal in your rice cooker, this flavorful dish with sausage, peppers, and rice is the perfect weeknight option.

How To Make One Pot Rice Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Making sausage and peppers in your rice cooker is quite simple. Just follow the steps below, and youll have a hearty, comforting meal ready in no time. Heres how:

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes (1 [14.5-oz.] can)
• 2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 2 tsp.)
• 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning (such as Tony Chacheres)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper (from 1 small 7 oz. pepper)
• 1/3 cup chopped white onion (from 1 small 6 oz. white onion)
• 6 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick coins (about 1 1/4 cups)
• Sliced scallions for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients and set them aside.

Step 2: Rinse the rice under cold running water for about 1 minute, or until the water runs clear. Drain the rice well, then transfer it to the bowl of your rice cooker.

Step 3: Add the chicken broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, garlic, Creole seasoning, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) into the rice cooker. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 4: Layer the chopped bell pepper and onion on top of the rice mixture, then add the sliced sausage on top of the vegetables.

Step 5: Place the rice cooker bowl into the rice cooker, turn it on, and let the cooker run according to the manufacturers instructions until it switches itself off.

Step 6: Once the rice cooker turns off, carefully remove the bowl. Use a fork to fluff the rice and stir all the ingredients together.

Step 7: Cover the bowl with a lid or plate and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and finish cooking.

Step 8: Divide the rice mixture between two bowls and garnish with sliced scallions before serving. Enjoy your delicious, one-pot meal!

Recipe Tips

• When your rice cooker switches off, promptly remove the rice cooker bowl. If left on "warm" mode for too long, the sugars from the tomatoes and vegetables can burn.
• Do not skip the 5-minute steaming step after cooking. This allows the rice to finish cooking and plump up the grains.

How to Store One Pot Rice Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Store any leftovers in an airtight in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat the meal in the microwave when ready to eat.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 411
• Total Fat: 25g (32% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 8g (41% DV)
• Cholesterol: 54mg (18% DV)
• Sodium: 2240mg (97% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 33g (12% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (16% DV)
• Total Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 15g (30% DV)
• Vitamin C: 67mg (75% DV)
• Calcium: 89mg (7% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (12% DV)
• Potassium: 872mg (19% DV)

History and Origins
The concept of sausage and peppers has deep roots in American cuisine, particularly in the Italian-American tradition. This dish was likely brought to the United States by Italian immigrants, who would prepare sausages and serve them with bell peppers, often as a street food or at family gatherings. The modern adaptation using a rice cooker is a more recent innovation, thanks to the popularity of easy, one-pot meals and the versatility of rice cookers. While rice cookers were initially designed for rice, their use has expanded to include everything from soups to stews, and this sausage and peppers dish exemplifies how the appliance can transform classic comfort foods into effortless meals.

Regional Variations
Sausage and peppers are widely enjoyed across the United States, especially in regions with a strong Italian influence, such as New York, New Jersey, and parts of Chicago. The dish is often served in sandwich form, particularly in Italian-American neighborhoods, with the sausages tucked into hoagie rolls. In other areas, it might be served as a hearty entre alongside potatoes or over pasta. Regional variations may include the type of sausage usedwhile andouille sausage is common in the Southern U.S., other types like sweet Italian or spicy chorizo might be used depending on local preferences. The use of rice and the rice cooker in this recipe provides a Southern twist, making the dish more filling and adaptable to different tastes.

Differences from Similar Dishes
While sausage and peppers is a fairly straightforward dish, there are several variations that can set it apart. Traditional sausage and peppers are often prepared on the stovetop or grilled, where the sausages are cooked and served with sauted peppers and onions. This rice cooker version is distinct because it combines all the ingredients in one pot, cooking the sausage and vegetables along with rice, broth, and spices. The use of the rice cooker simplifies the process, allowing the ingredients to meld together more seamlessly. The addition of tomatoes and Creole seasoning also gives this dish a unique flavor profile, setting it apart from more straightforward sausage and pepper recipes.

Where It Is Typically Served
One-pot meals like this are often favored for their convenience and hearty nature, making them a popular choice for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. In Italian-American communities, sausage and peppers are a staple at street fairs, family reunions, and barbecues. However, the rice cooker variation makes it easy to serve at home on busy weeknights, as it requires minimal hands-on time. This dish can be served as a main course, either with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or as part of a larger buffet spread.

Interesting Facts
1. The rice cooker, originally designed to cook only rice, has gained popularity for making a wide range of dishes, from soups to curries, due to its ability to cook food evenly and without much supervision.
2. Andouille sausage, which is featured in this recipe, is a smoked sausage commonly associated with Cajun and Creole cooking in Louisiana. It adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish.
3. While the combination of sausage and peppers might seem simple, its a dish that has a rich history in American cuisine, especially within Italian-American households. It's been a comfort food for generations, often cooked for large gatherings due to its ease of preparation and satisfying nature.

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