Paella with sausage and peas

1 lb (500 g) sweet or hot Italian sausage, cut crosswise into ½ in (1 cm) slices
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups (500 mL) chicken broth
1 cup (250 mL) fresh or canned diced tomatoes
1 green or red pepper, sliced
½ tsp (2 mL) turmeric
1 cup (250 mL) raw arborio or parboiled (converted) rice (not instant)
1 cup (250 mL) frozen peas
2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh parsley (optional, but nice)

Arrange sausage slices in a deep, preferably non-stick skillet. Place over medium heat and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning over once, until lightly browned on both sides. Remove from pan and pour off most of the fat (leave just a thin film in pan).

Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, tomatoes, sliced pepper and turmeric, and mix well. Stir in the rice, bring to a boil, then stir again to mix.

Return the sausage slices to the pan, arranging them evenly on top of the rice mixture, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover and cook without stirring for 20 minutes, or until the rice is almost tender. Sprinkle the peas overtop, replace the lid and continue cooking for another 5 to 8 minutes or until the rice is completely done. Remove from heat and let sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow any excess liquid to be absorbed.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Makes 4 servings.

Kids can
• Cut sausage into slices and arrange in the pan.
• Add sausage and peas to the pan to finish cooking.
• Youngest helpers can sprinkle parsley over the finished dish.