This is a perfect quick meal to spice up your Valentine's Dinner for your loved ones. And what better way to say I love you than a heart healthy meal!

2 T. cold pressed extra virgin olive oil

1 package vegan sausage, such as Tofurkey Kielbasa, or other vegan sausage of choice

1 onion, chopped

1 red or green bell pepper, chopped

4 cloves of garlic, minced or crushed

2 cups jasmine rice

4 cups of filtered water

2 vegan chicken flavored bouillon cubes

1 14.5 oz. can organic chopped tomatoes, such as Muir Glenn

1-2 t. cajun seasoning (Penzey's is a good choice)

1 t. dried thyme

1 t. powdered dried smoked paprika (optional)

In a large frying pan, over medium heat, saute in 1 T. olive oil the pepper & onion. Once the vegetables start to soften and the onion turns translucent add the garlic and saute for 1-2 more minutes. Now, add and stir in the bouillon, rice, water, tomatoes, cajun seasoning, thyme and paprika, then cover pan. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat. Stir, and turn the heat to low. It will take about 10-15 minutes for the rice to absorb the liquid. So check after 10 minutes by stirring. Once the liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat and keep covered. If there is any rice sticking, it will "unstick" itself at this point if you let it rest for 5 minutes.

When you are waiting for the rice to boil, slice the vegan sausage on a diagonal. In a medium saute pan over medium heat, saute in 1 T. olive oil, the sausage until it browns to you liking and is heated through. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm. Do not over cook.

Now, you can either add the sausage into the rice mixture and serve it all together (more authentic way), or if you have picky kids who like everything separate (like my youngest), you can put the rice and sausage on the table separately.  I like to put some hot sauce on mine, since I have to keep it mild for my family!

Variation: If you want to keep it to a more whole foods approach, or if you just don't like vegan sausages, you can replace that with a can of beans of your choice (kidney beans would work well). Just stir a can of rinsed beans into the rice after it has absorbed all the liquids. If you like it smokier, you can also add a few dashes of liquid smoke. Extra cayenne or chipotle powder for you spice heads would be tasty as well!