Ingredients

1½tbspolive oil

¾cupyellow onionfinely chopped

2cupszucchinihalved and sliced

1cupgreen bell pepperchopped

2garlic clovesminced

8ozturkey sausagesmoked, sliced

1½cupsinstant brown ricesuch as Minute brown rice

14½ozdiced tomatoes

1½cupschicken brothlow-sodium

1tspchili powder

½tspcuminground

½tspdried thyme

⅛tspcayenne pepperoptional

saltto taste

freshly ground black pepperto taste

14½ozblack beansdrained and rinsed

1tbspfresh parsleychopped

¾cupcheddar cheeseshredded or Mexican blend, optional

Preparation

Heat olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet (that’s at least 2-inches deep) over medium-high heat.

Add in yellow onion and saute for 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add in zucchini, bell pepper and garlic and saute 2 minutes longer.

Push veggies to one side then add sausage to the empty side and cook for about 3 minutes, or until it’s starting to brown.

Pour in rice, tomatoes, and chicken broth. Season with chili powder, cumin, thyme, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste.

Stir then pour in black beans. Bring mixture to a boil.

Cover pan with lid and reduce temperature to medium.

Allow to boil gently for 5 to 6 minutes then remove from heat.

Toss and let rest for 8 to 10 minutes until rice is tender. Drain off excess liquid if desired.

Toss in parsley and serve warm with cheese.