The Zatarain's tradition of making amazing food was started by Emile A. Zatarain, Sr. In 1889, he obtained the company's first product trademark and started to market root beer. Shortly after, he began to produce mustards, pickled vegetables, and extracts. As the business grew, so did the demand for a broader range of products. Through their expertise in blending spices, the company established a reputation for making only the most authentic New Orleans-Style food. In 1963, the Zatarain family sold the business which was then moved to Gretna, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans, where it is still located today.

Black Bean and Rice Stuffed Peppers with Jack Cheese

Spicy sausage and black beans and rice make a flavorful stuffing for bell pepper halves

Makes 8 servings.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

1. Break up sausage in medium saucepan. Cook on medium heat 5 minutes or until cooked through. Drain fat; set aside. Add water to same saucepan; bring to boil. Stir in Rice Mix; return to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 25 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Add sausage to rice; mix well.

2. Meanwhile, cook peppers in boiling water in large saucepot 5 minutes or until just tender. Immediately place peppers in large bowl of ice water to cool. Drain well.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place peppers on foil-lined 13x9-inch baking pan. Spoon rice mixture into peppers. Sprinkle evenly with cheese.

4. Bake 10 minutes or until rice mixture is heated through and cheese is melted.

Recipe courtesy of ZATARAIN'S®