Servings: 6 to 8

1 tbsp. olive oil 1 tbsp. olive oil
1 green bell pepper diced 1 green bell pepper diced
2 celery stalks diced 2 celery stalks diced
1 medium onion diced 1 medium onion diced
3 garlic cloves minced 3 garlic cloves minced
1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes about 3 tomatoes or a 14 ounce can 1 ½ cups diced tomatoes about 3 tomatoes or a 14 ounce can
4-5 cups vegetable broth 4 to 5 cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp. paprika 2 tbsp. paprika
2 tbsp. ground cumin 2 tbsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. ground black pepper 2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. dried thyme 1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. dried oregano
2 tbsp. cayenne pepper hot sauce adjust to heat preference 2 tbsp. cayenne pepper hot sauce adjust to heat preference
2 cups long grain brown rice 2 cups long grain brown rice
1 3/4 cups cooked or one 14 oz. can red kidney beans drained 1 ¾ cups cooked or one 14 oz. can red kidney beans drained
2 cups chopped vegan sausage optional, I like Field Roast brand 2 cups chopped vegan sausage optional, I like Field Roast brand
2-3 scallions chopped 2 to 3 scallions chopped

Slow Cooker Method: subheading: Slow Cooker Method:
Place oil, pepper, celery, onion, garlic, tomatoes, 4 cups of broth, paprika, cumin, black pepper, thyme, oregano and hot sauce into slow cooker set to low heat.
Cover and cook for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Add the rice and raise the heat to high.
Stir, cover and cook for another hour to an hour and a half, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
Add more broth if the rice becomes too dry during cooking.
Add beans and sausage.
Stir and cook another 2 minutes or so, until beans and sausage are heated throughout.
Served topped with scallions.
Stove Top Method: subheading: Stove Top Method:
Coat the bottom of a large pot with oil and place over medium heat.
When the oil is hot add bell pepper, celery, onion, and garlic.
Sauté for 5 minutes, until veggies are softened.
Add tomatoes, 4 cups of broth, paprika, cumin, black pepper, thyme, oregano, hot sauce, and rice.
Raise heat to high and bring to a boil.
Lower heat, cover, and allow to simmer until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed, about 45 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow to sit for about 5 minutes, covered.
If using vegan sausage, briefly heat it on the stove or in the microwave while the rice sits.
Remove lid, fluff rice with a fork, and stir in the beans and sausage.
Serve topped with scallions.