Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Italian Style Rice and White Beans Recipe

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup white wine
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
2 green bell peppers, chopped
3/4 cup uncooked rice
2 (16 ounce) cans  white kidney beans, undrained
1 (16 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, undrained
a few shakes of dried oregano, parsley, basil
 Few drops red pepper sauce (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
 Optional: leftover sausage, meatballs mashed, or cooked leftover chicken
Heat oven to 350 degrees .

In a large heavy skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add  garlic, mushrooms, and peppers; simmer, stirring often, until tender, about 10 minutes.

Mix rice, with beans, tomatoes, spices, salt, pepper to taste,wine and hot sauce cover and simmer about 25 minutes or until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir frequently.

Transfer to a 2-qt baking dish.  Top with mashed meatballs or sausage. Sprinkle with  shredded cheese. Bake 15 minutes,  or until cheese is melted and meat is heated through.