Nothing fancy...

I was looking for a one dish meal...not easy to find these days, especially one that everyone likes.  I remembered eating something called Hoppin' John years ago that was a mix out of a box.  I loved the mix of rice, beans, and spices.  It was a hearty but simple meal. It originated in New Orleans and has many variations.  Here is mine...

Hoppin' John

1/2 -1 lb chirizo sausage (I used vegetarian sausage)
1 med onion, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
2 T garlic, chopped
1 t smoked paprika
1 t cumin
1/4 C water or stock (chicken or veggie)
2 cans black eyed peas, drained
3 C cooked white rice

In a large skillet, combine sausage, onion, and pepper.  Cook on med. until sausage has browned and veggies are cooked through.  Add garlic, paprika and cumin. Cook another 2 minutes.  Pour in water or stock. Add black eyed peas and rice.  Combine and allow to simmer on low for about 5 minutes or until flavor has saturated beans and rice. Serve with cornbread.  

Not Your Ordinary Pasta...

Sick of spaghetti? Red sauce? We were! I decided to use my son's favorite food, garlic, to create a pasta sauce that can replace tomato sauce.  The result was light and tasty, quick and easy... a perfect side or meal!

Farfalle with Garlic Sauce

5 T butter
1/2 C chopped red onion (about 1/2 a med onion)
3 T chopped garlic
1 C vegetable stock (or chicken, if you like)
1 T oregano
6-8 oz farfalle (or 1/2 box pasta of your choice)
1/2 C Parmesan cheese
1 plum tomato, chopped
parsley, salt, pepper, to taste

Cook pasta according to box, or until al dente, while making sauce.
In a skillet, melt 3 T butter, or oil.  Add red onion and cook until starting to brown.  Add garlic and cook for several more minutes.  Add oregano and stock, cook on med/high until reduced to about 1/2. Add pasta, Parmesan cheese, and 2 T butter, salt/pepper to sauce.  Serve hot, garnish with chopped tomato and parsley. Grilled chicken, shrimp or eggplant (or chickpeas) could be added for a heartier meal.