Cheater's Paella

In an effort to make quick work of midweek dinners, I have been cobbling together different grain bowls. Greek Chickpea Bowls and Chipotle Chicken Bowls are among some of my favorites these days. A bed of quinoa or rice is the perfect base for plenty of proteins and vegetables, either cooked or fresh.

I usually cook with brown rice, but occasionally enjoy yellow rice... a white rice seasoned with saffron and other spices. It's easily found in your local grocery store. Taking inspiration from the flavors coming through in this rice, I thought a "Cheater's Paella" might be a fun new take on a grain bowl.

Paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish with veggies, meats and often seafood. And while it's delicious, it takes a bit of time to prepare and the addition of saffron makes it a bit to pricey for my taste. Enter store-bought yellow rice!

Simply sautee a bit of sausage and veggies, toss in some rotisserie chicken and you have a supremely satisfying dinner.

Cheater’s Paella

Ingredients

·       10oz yellow rice, unprepared (like Mahatma)

·       2 tbsp olive oil

·       12oz smoked sausage, sliced on the bias

·       ½ onion, diced

·       2 celery stalks, diced

·       1 red pepper, diced

·       1 orange pepper, diced

·       ½ tsp curry powder

·       ¼ tsp salt

·       ¼ tsp black pepper

·       2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced

·       1 cup frozen peas

·       4 scallions, sliced

Prepare the yellow rice per package instructions.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the sliced sausage. Fry the sausages on both sides until slightly brown.

Reduce the pan to medium low heat and add the onions, celery, and peppers. Sautee the veggies until reaching the desired doneness – either remaining crisp or continue to cook until soft. Sprinkle over the curry powder, salt and pepper. Stir in the chicken and frozen peas. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the peas are heated through.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked yellow rice. Garnish with fresh scallions.

Serves 4

Gluten Free Friendly!