Hearty Red Beans & Rice

Serves 4 to 6

3 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled, drippings reserved

1 green pepper, chopped

1 onion, chopped

1/2 c. green onion, chopped

1/2 c. celery, chopped

2 T. fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 lb. Polish sausage, sliced

2 15-oz. cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed

6-oz. can tomato paste

2-oz. jar chopped pimentos, drained

2 T. catsup

1-1/2 t. Worcestershire sauce

1 t. chili powder

3 c. cooked rice

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté green pepper, onions, celery and parsley in reserved drippings until tender. Stir in bacon and remaining ingredients except rice. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve over cooked rice.

Freeze leftover cooked rice for quick-fix meals later...just freeze portions flat in plastic zipping bags. Use for stir-fry dishes, to make soups thick & hearty or to mix with fresh vegetables for an easy side dish.