Martha’s Spanish Rice and Sausage: A Flavorful Fiesta in Your Kitchen

Spanish rice, also known as Mexican rice or arroz rojo, is a classic dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. When combined with savory sausage, it transforms into a complete and satisfying meal. This recipe, inspired by Martha Stewart’s approach to simple yet delicious cooking, offers a delightful twist on the traditional, creating a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a weekend fiesta. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey filled with vibrant colors, aromatic spices, and a taste that will leave you wanting more!

Why This Recipe Works

This Spanish rice and sausage recipe is a winner for several reasons:

* **One-Pan Wonder:** Minimal cleanup is always a plus! Everything cooks in one pan, from browning the sausage to simmering the rice, saving you time and effort.
* **Flavorful and Aromatic:** The combination of spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano infuses the rice and sausage with a warm, earthy flavor that’s simply irresistible.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients and spices to suit your preferences. Add more vegetables, use different types of sausage, or kick up the heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Rice and sausage are relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a great option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even as a filling for tacos or burritos.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for Martha’s Spanish Rice and Sausage:

* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** Used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the sausage. You can substitute with vegetable oil if preferred.
* **1 pound sausage (chorizo, Italian, or your favorite):** Chorizo adds a smoky, spicy flavor, while Italian sausage provides a more savory profile. Remove the sausage from its casings for even cooking.
* **1 medium onion, chopped:** Forms the base of the flavor profile. Yellow or white onions work best.
* **1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), chopped:** Adds sweetness and color. Use your favorite color or a combination for a more vibrant dish.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Adds pungent aroma and flavor.
* **1 cup long-grain rice:** Long-grain rice, such as converted or parboiled rice, is ideal as it holds its shape well during cooking. Avoid using short-grain rice, as it can become mushy.
* **2 cups chicken broth:** Provides the liquid for cooking the rice and adds flavor. You can also use vegetable broth.
* **1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained:** Adds acidity and tomato flavor. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth.
* **1 teaspoon chili powder:** Provides a warm, earthy flavor with a hint of spice.
* **1/2 teaspoon cumin:** Adds a smoky, earthy flavor that complements the chili powder.
* **1/4 teaspoon dried oregano:** Adds a subtle herbaceous note.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Season to your liking.
* **Optional garnishes:** Chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious and authentic Martha’s Spanish Rice and Sausage:

**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**

* Chop the onion and bell pepper into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic.
* Remove the sausage from its casings, if necessary.
* Measure out the rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and spices.

**2. Brown the Sausage:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
* Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

**3. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**4. Toast the Rice:**

* Add the rice to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes, until lightly toasted. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the rice and prevent it from becoming sticky.

**5. Add the Remaining Ingredients:**

* Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits.
* Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.

**6. Simmer the Rice:**

* Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during the simmering process, as this can release steam and affect the cooking time.

**7. Return the Sausage:**

* Once the rice is cooked, gently stir in the cooked sausage.

**8. Rest and Fluff:**

* Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining moisture.
* Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

**9. Garnish and Serve:**

* Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Spanish Rice and Sausage

* **Use the Right Rice:** Long-grain rice is the best choice for Spanish rice because it holds its shape well and doesn’t become mushy. Short-grain rice is more likely to clump together.
* **Toast the Rice:** Toasting the rice before adding the liquid enhances its flavor and helps prevent it from becoming sticky. Be careful not to burn the rice.
* **Don’t Lift the Lid:** Avoid lifting the lid during the simmering process, as this can release steam and affect the cooking time. The steam helps cook the rice evenly.
* **Adjust the Spices:** Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more chili powder.
* **Use Good Quality Broth:** Using good quality chicken broth will enhance the flavor of the rice. You can also use vegetable broth.
* **Let it Rest:** Letting the rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes after cooking allows it to fully absorb any remaining moisture and become more fluffy.
* **Prevent Sticking:** If you find that the rice is sticking to the bottom of the pan, try reducing the heat slightly or adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the skillet before cooking the rice.
* **Even Cooking:** Ensure the rice cooks evenly by using a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. This helps distribute the heat more evenly.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few variations and substitutions to try:

* **Vegetarian:** Omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as corn, peas, or carrots. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans for added protein.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a chopped jalapeño pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the skillet along with the other spices.
* **Smoked Sausage:** Use smoked sausage for a deeper, more complex flavor.
* **Chorizo:** For an authentic flavor, use Mexican chorizo. Be sure to remove it from its casing.
* **Chicken:** Substitute the sausage with cooked chicken, such as shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast.
* **Shrimp:** Add shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking for a seafood twist. Make sure the shrimp are cooked through.
* **Brown Rice:** Substitute white rice with brown rice for a healthier option. Keep in mind that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to add an extra cup of broth and simmer for 45-50 minutes.
* **Different Vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans.
* **Lime Juice:** Squeeze a wedge of lime juice over the rice before serving for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Cheese:** Stir in some shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, during the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Martha’s Spanish Rice and Sausage is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Main Course:** Serve it as a main course with a side salad or your favorite vegetables.
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
* **Tacos or Burritos:** Use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.
* **Bowls:** Create a delicious and healthy bowl by layering the rice with black beans, corn, avocado, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream.
* **Stuffed Peppers:** Use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers.
* **Enchiladas:** Use it as a filling for enchiladas.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Spanish Rice and Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth if the rice seems dry.
* **Freezing:** You can also freeze Spanish Rice and Sausage for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare the rice and sausage as directed, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
* **Can I use a different type of sausage?**

Yes, you can use any type of sausage you like. Chorizo, Italian sausage, and smoked sausage are all good options.
* **Can I add more vegetables?**

Yes, you can add more vegetables, such as corn, peas, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans.
* **Can I make this recipe vegetarian?**

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the sausage and adding more vegetables. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans for added protein.
* **Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?**

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to add an extra cup of broth and simmer for 45-50 minutes.
* **How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan?**

To prevent the rice from sticking, use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. You can also try reducing the heat slightly or adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the skillet before cooking the rice.
* **How do I make the rice more flavorful?**

To make the rice more flavorful, use good quality chicken broth. You can also add more spices, such as chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Toasting the rice before adding the liquid also enhances its flavor.

Martha’s Spanish Rice and Sausage Recipe

This detailed recipe card summarizes all the information provided above, making it easy to print and follow while you cook:

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound sausage (chorizo, Italian, or your favorite), removed from casings
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup long-grain rice
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices

**Instructions:**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the rice to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes, until lightly toasted.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Gently stir in the cooked sausage.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
9. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
10. Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Martha’s Spanish Rice and Sausage! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.