Bell Pepper Mushroom Orzo with Sausage Links

Here’s a fairly low-calorie main dish that’s quick and easy too.  I always have frozen chopped bell peppers and onions in the freezer if I don’t have them fresh, and they work just fine in recipes like this.  Orzo is quick cooking, and the entire dish takes me about 20 minutes from start to finish.   You can use whatever meat you have on hand in this; ham, breakfast sausage, hamburger, chicken, etc., so it’s a great way to use up leftovers too.                    

Bell Pepper Mushroom Orzo with Sausage Links     

  8             ounces  Orzo

  1             Tablespoon  Olive Oil

     1/3      Cup  Onion -- thinly sliced

  2             Teaspoons  Garlic -- minced

     1/3      Cup  Red Bell Pepper -- diced

     1/3      Cup  Green Bell Pepper -- diced

     1/3      Cup  Fresh Mushrooms -- chopped

     1/4      teaspoon  Ground Cumin

  3             Chicken and Apple Sausage Links -- sliced

                 Parmesan Cheese -- if desired

Bring water to a boil in a large, heavy pan.  Add orzo and bring back to a boil; reduce heat to medium.  Cook stirring frequently, about 6-8 minutes.

Combine oil and remaining ingredients in a non-stick skillet over medium high heat.  Cook and stir until vegetables are tender.  Add cooked orzo and heat through.

6 servings

Per Serving: 196 Calories; 4g Fat (16.9% calories from fat); 9g Protein; 32g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 16mg Cholesterol; 121mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 2 Grain (Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 1/2 Fat.