Sausage Spanish Rice With Bacon

This is a meaty spanish rice with lots of flavor. I never really liked most Spanish rice dishes because they seemed too bland until I ate a version of this one at a family reunion. I tweaked it so that it had lots of taste without the green peppers some people use because I have a son who hates them. If you like them feel free to add them to the dish.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 3-4

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb  of mild breakfast sausage (or spicier if you wish more bite)
• 1⁄2 lb bacon
• 1  medium onion
• 2  teaspoons  fresh crushed garlic
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cumin
• 1  teaspoon chili powder
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3  ounces tomato paste
• 3  cups water
• 1 1⁄2 cups  uncooked rice

Directions

1. Cook sausage and crumble in small pieces and set aside.
2. Cook bacon until crisp, drain then crumble into small pieces and add to the sausage.
3. Saute the onion and garlic in the bacon drippings until golden, drain on paper towels, then add to meat mixture.
4. In a large saucepan bring the water and tomato paste to a boil.
5. Add the rice, cover and cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes.
6. Add meat mixture to rice mixing well and serve while still hot.
7. You can double or triple this recipe easily then freeze the leftovers in ziplock freezer bags for quick sides to Mexican meals.