Red Beans and Sausage Over Rice

1 pound of lean sausage
2-3 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1 teaspoon of cumin
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne (optional)
3 tablespoons of oil

1 bean recipe (replace black beans)
1 white rice recipe

Cut the sausage into 1/4 inch slices. Cut it on the diagonal if you feel fancy. Heat the oil in a dutch oven or large sauce pan and brown the sausage. Keep in mind that the sausage is already salty so avoid salting it further. Add the spices, water, and cook for one minute more.

Combine beans with sausage and heat through. Pour over white or brown rice and enjoy. My toddlers go nuts over beans and sausage.

Easy Black Beans - Latin Style

Ingredients

2 cans of black beans
6 cubes of Sofrito ( See my Sofrito recipe)
2 teaspoons of cumin (optional)
2 teaspoons of Olive oil
1/4 cup of water

Place the oil in a medium sauce pan on medium heat. When the oil begins to shimmer place add the sofrito and cook until the cubes melt. Add the cumin and cook for 1 more minute. Add the beans and water and bring to a boil. Once the beans come to a boil cover and simmer for about 10 minutes and serve.

By the way, to make black bean soup, add a one cup of chicken broth in addition to the water. Cook as directed, blend half the bean mixture, recombine and serve.