Red Rice and Sausage is a staple in the Southern United States, especially in the coastal areas of Charleston, SC, and Savannah, Ga. This span of low-lying coastal area is also known as the Lowcountry. Here in Charleston, red rice and sausage is a way of life. It's eaten with many different types of meals, but especially seafood. It's relatively easy to make but so flavorful.
Bring water to a boil and cook rice according to package directions. For the Instant Pot, [See Note 1].
In a 12-inch skillet, cook the bacon, then drain and set aside, reserving the oil.
Drain some of the bacon oil leaving 1 tablespoon in the bottom of the pan to cook the aromatic vegetables until softened, about 3-5 minutes. If you prefer not to cook with bacon fat, remove the oil from the pan and wipe clean with a paper towel and add 1 tablespoon of your preferred cooking oil.
When the vegetables have softened, add the andouille or smoked sausage and saute for 2-3 minutes.
Next, add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste and stir to combine.
Taste and season with salt and pepper being mindful that the bacon can be quite salty.
Add the cooked rice and stir to incorporate. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon.
Garnish with sliced green onions, optional.
Notes
I cooked my rice in the Instant Pot which is 1 cup white rice to 1 1/4 cups water on the rice setting. I then let the rice slowly depressurize for 10 minutes (L0:10).