Rice and Beans with Smoky Sausage and Bell Peppers

1. Saute Onions and Garlic

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion and garlic, taking care to stir them occasionally until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.

2. Brown the Sausage

Add the diced smoked sausage to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Let the sausage brown slightly, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.

3. Add Bell Peppers

Now, introduce the red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Saute them with the sausage mixture for another 3 minutes.

4. Season and Toast Rice

Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring everything is well coated and fragrant. Then, add the rice, stirring for a minute to toast it slightly.

5. Cook Rice with Broth

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 18 minutes.

6. Add Black Beans

After 18 minutes, fold in the black beans and cover again, allowing everything to heat through for about 5 minutes.

7. Garnish and Serve

To serve, fluff the rice with a fork and divide it among plates. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.