by Jaimi Hemmerich

Created on: August 17, 2009   Last Updated: August 24, 2009

Do you ever get the what-to-fix-for-supper-tonight blues? When you lead a hectic life, it is so easy to wind up in the dinner rut, fixing the same meals week after week (to you and your family's dismay). Although I don't have the cure for your culinary ailment, I do have something that might just chase away those blues - a simple, delicious Cajun recipe that is easy to prepare and will spice up dinner, at least for one night.

What you will need:

A box of either dirty rice or Spanish rice mix (I prefer Zatarain's)

A can of diced tomatoes

A can of black beans

A package of smoked sausage (or any comparable sausage will work)

Prepare the rice mix as directed on the box. When you are in the final stages of simmering the rice, add in the can of tomatoes, draining them first. Chop the sausage into pieces an inch thick and add them to the rice mixture. Stir together and simmer until the sauce is thick. Stir in the black beans and simmer for a few more minutes (until the beans are thoroughly heated). Remove the dish from the heat and serve.

There are many variations of this dish that can be created. You can use shrimp along with the sausage or by itself, chicken or simply leave the meat out. The black beans alone are a good source of protein. If you need to watch your sodium intake, you can pass on the boxed mix and create your own rice base using instant rice cooked in low sodium chicken broth, low sodium Cajun seasoning and a dash of ground cumin. Using dried black beans will also help to lower the sodium, however they are much more time consuming to prepare than the canned.

The recipe above will make enough to feed a family of four. If your family is larger or you would just like more leftover (this dish is very good reheated), then double the recipe. Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it!

Bon appetit!

(Zatarain's is registered trademark of McCormick & Co., Inc.)

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