Where It All Began

OK.  I have to make an admission:  When I was a teenager I hated home-cooked meals.  I was addicted to fast food and loved to go out to eat.  Being the oldest of 3 children this could not have come at a worse time as there is seldom agreement about where and when to eat and then there's always the family budget that doesn't always allow for 5 of us going out to $100 meals multiple times in a week or even months.  When I got to college, I initially felt food-liberated and I could eat anything I wanted, anywhere I wanted, anytime I wanted!  That is until the food budget quickly ran dry.  I had no choice but to embrace the idea of eating at home and cooking for myself.  With limited resources and a deep-running trait of never settling for anything less than the best available to me I knew I needed to get creative.  From this adversity came inspiration and I invented my first recipe using inexpensive but flavorful ingredients:  Paprika and Cayenne-seasoned Turkey Polksa Kielbasa, Peppers and Onions served over Saffron Rice.  Still one of my favorite meals to this day and even though I can now afford more expensive ingredients, I stay true to my roots (moreover for the taste) and go with the original recipe.  The total cost is less than $5 to feed 2.  I hope that it is enjoyed by all and someone reading this finds his/her own inspiration to make the leap into the home gourmet.

You will need:

1 package turkey polska kielbasa
1 10 oz. package of saffron (yellow) rice
1 large vidalia onion
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
spanish paprika
cayenne pepper

Prepare saffron rice according to the directions on the package.  While the rice is cooking (appx. 20-25 min) slice the kielbasa into 1/4 in. rounds.  Cut the onion and peppers into strips as if for fajitas.  Pre-heat a large cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat.  Add 1 tbs. olive oil and swirl to coat.  Cook the kielbasa for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a slight char has formed.  Sprinkle the pieces with paprika until they are slightly coated.  This should use about 2 to 3 tsp. to accomplish.  Season with cayenne pepper to taste.  Add the onion and peppers to the pan, and continue to cook with the kielbasa, stirring frequently for an additional 10 minutes or until tender-crisp.  Serve over the prepared rice and enjoy!