Hoppin' John (Sausage, Black-Eyed Peas, and Rice)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup brown rice, instant uncooked — or white rice
• 1 teaspoon canola oil — or corn oil
• 3 ounces low-fat smoked turkey sausage ring, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch pieces — lowest fat and sodium available
• 1/2 red bell pepper — medium, chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, medium — seeded and finely chopped
• 1 can black eyed peas — low-sodium, rinsed and drained, 15 ounces
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Method

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Prepare the rice using the package directions, omitting the salt and butter/margarine.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium non-stick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom.
4. Cook the sausage for 3 minutes or until richly browned, stirring frequently.
5. Stir in the bell pepper and jalapeño pepper.
6. Cook for 1 minute.
7. Stir in the peas, water, and salt.
8. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the mixture is thickened slightly but some liquid remains.
9. Remove from the heat.
10. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes so the flavors bend.
11. Stir in the rice.
12. Transfer to a serving bowl.