Hoppin' John (Sausage, Black-Eyed Peas, and Rice)

Ingredients, directions and serving information for Hoppin' John (Sausage, Black-Eyed Peas, and Rice).

• 1/2 cup brown rice, instant uncooked
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 3 ounces low-fat smoked turkey sausage ring, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1/2 red bell pepper
• 1 jalapeño pepper, medium
• 1 can black eyed peas
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Prepare the rice using the package directions, omitting the salt and butter/margarine.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium non-stick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the sausage for 3 minutes or until richly browned, stirring frequently.
4. Stir in the bell pepper and jalapeño pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in the peas, water, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the mixture is thickened slightly but some liquid remains. Remove from the heat.
6. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes so the flavors bend. Stir in the rice. Transfer to a serving bowl.