Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans to the skillet.
5. Pour in the undrained can of diced tomatoes.
6. Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet, and stir everything together.
7. Reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Once the beans are heated through and the flavors have melded together, stir in the chopped cilantro.
9. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for browning the sausage and cooking the onion and garlic
- Low heat for simmering the beans and sausage mixture
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 19g
- Fiber: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of smoked sausage can be used in place of the suggested sausage.
- If fresh cilantro is not available, parsley or green onions can be used as a substitute.
Variations:
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for extra flavor and heat.
- Use ground beef or turkey instead of sausage.
- Top with shredded cheese or sour cream before serving.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the skillet to remove excess salt and starch.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the beans and sausage mixture to prevent the beans from breaking apart.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover cowboy beans and sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, simply microwave the leftovers or heat them up on the stove over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the cowboy beans and sausage in individual bowls or on a large platter for family-style dining.
Garnishes:
- Top with chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or sour cream.
Pairings:
- Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping.
Suggested side dishes:
- Coleslaw or a green salad make great side dishes for this recipe.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beans are too thick, add a splash of chicken or beef broth to thin them out.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Cowboy beans have been a staple in Western cuisine for centuries, dating back to the days of cowboys and cattle drives.
Flavor profiles:
- The combination of beans, sausage, and spices creates a hearty and flavorful dish with a slightly spicy kick.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cowboy beans and sausage as a main course for dinner or as a side dish for a barbecue or potluck.
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