Smoky Sausage and Bean Skillet

I don’t know how moms do it.

After a long day at work, a 40 minute commute, and putting away dishes, I barely want to cook dinner during the week.

And this is without kids to take care of!

We come home, feed the dog, feed the cats, get the mail, changes into jeans (or pajamas, some days), check the garden, wash dishes, and get something going for dinner.

All this is happening while I’m thinking about what I’d rather be doing: sitting down, watching the news (or…really, HIMYM reruns), or reading a book.

I love cooking, I really do. But I like it the most when I’m feeling inspired or when I have time to cook something fun. And weeknights don’t normally fall into those times.

The only thing that saves me during the week is quick meals. Easy meals. Dishes I can throw together in one skillet and plate up with a healthy grain and vegetable.

Not every dinner can be short ribs..but if I can whip up a tasty meal in minutes, it’s almost – almost – the same.

Smoky Sausage and Bean Skillet

Makes: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 links smoked sausage, halved and sliced
  • 2 and 1/2 cups chickpeas
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 and 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • brown rice and sugar snap peas, for serving

Directions:

  1. Put a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Drop the sliced sausage into the pan and cook, browning on all sides, for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Once the sausage is browned, dump the chickpeas into the pan.
  4. Add the dollops of tomato paste and stir it into the sausage and chickpeas.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook and thicken for 5-10 minutes.
  7. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon juice and fresh cilantro.
  8. Serve over brown rice and sugar snap peas.

14 comments

  1. I could have written this post word for word! We end up relying on a limited rotation of dishes during the week so that we can actually eat before 10pm without resorting to take out! I feel like I’m in a bit of a rut though so I’m excited to try this as it looks so delicious.

  2. I’m a stay-at-home mom but I still love quick and easy meals! This looks great!

  3. I’m amazed at working parents–I’m with you, my routine as it is is incredibly tough! That bean & sausage skillet looks perfect for a weeknight meal though, love it!

  4. This is totally the kind of fast lunch I make myself when I’m running around trying to get things done all day. Looks great!

  5. I LOVE smoked sausage, it adds such a great flavor and depth to dishes. YUM!

  6. Oh lordy does this look scrumptious! Definitely my kind of meal. Thanks for sharing, Brandi!

  7. A one-dish supper – love this! So great for busy moms!

  8. i often wonder how in the world i’ll live my life and have a family and do everything i need to do–glad i’m not the only one :)

  9. Oh I feel you! I don’t have kids either! I feel like I can barely feed myself. ;)

    This looks great!

  10. This would be quick, easy and tasty and perfect for a weeknight meal!

    It was great to meet you in Monterey!

  11. I definitely feel the same way. By the time I get home from work and the gym, I just want dinner to be made for me! But with simple delicious HEALTHY meals like this, it’s really not that bad! (and if I’m feeling especially lazy…there’s always sushi :P)

  12. yeah, i have no idea how mom’s do it :-P totally respect parents. my dinners this week? eaten out, or just eggs with some fruit and roll or sweet potato. a little pathetic, but i hope to get back into the swing of things this weekend.

  13. looks so good! i need to use up my tube of tomato paste…

  14. Pingback: A Guide to Snap Peas » Sweet Remedy

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