What's For Supper: Sassy Sausage Orzo

Did you ever have one of those days when cooking was just a pain? Standing in front of the stove for hours or spending two hours preparing food that disappears in seconds isn't always fun. However, with a house full of kids, someone has to feed them. The quicker, the better, in my book. This meal is made in a jiffy with just three ingredients. I thank my sister Evelyn for passing it on to me.

You need a pound of kielbasa or smoked sausage, a jar of salsa and a box of orzo. Orzo is a tiny pasta that resembles rice. The pasta swells up to fill the skillet, so don't double the recipe until you know how much you really need. As for the salsa, you can choose mild, medium or hot, depending upon your taste. I have to make a mild and hot version when I make this dish at my house. We prefer smoked sausage but you can use ground beef, chicken or pork, if you prefer. The great thing about this recipe is how adaptable it is to any diet or taste buds.

Slice the smoked sausage into bite-size pieces. Brown the orzo in a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sausage and cook for 5 minutes, with the orzo. Stir the mixture constantly to keep it from sticking. Add the salsa and then fill the empty jar with water twice and pour into the skillet. Turn the temperature on low, cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes. Stir the dish occasionally until the orzo is tender.

I always serve this with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, but that is our preference. You may prefer serving with tortilla shells. Add a salad and some applesauce and you have a full meal.

Enjoy!