Cajun Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb Italian turkey sausage, casing removed if applicable
• 1 teaspoon canola oil (or other light cooking oil)
• 1 1/4 cups onions, chopped
• 1 1/4 cups celery, chopped
• 1 cup green pepper, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups long-grain rice, uncooked
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 4-6 drops hot sauce (more or less to taste)
• 31 1/2 ounces low sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 13" x 9" x 12" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

2. 2

   Remove casing from sausage (unless using bulk sausage) and cook sausage in large non-stick skillet over med-high heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Remove from heat, remove sausage from skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain and wipe drippings from skillet with a paper towel.

3. 3

   Heat oil in skillet over med-high heat. Add onion, celery, green pepper, garlic and saute for about 5 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat, stir in sausage, rice and remaining ingredients. Mix well.

4. 4

   Spoon rice mixture into prepared baking dish, cover and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for about 1 hour, 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from oven, discard bay leaf and fluff rice with a fork. Sprinkle top with fresh parsley or green onion pieces if desired.

5. 5

   Ready to serve and enjoy.