Growing
up in Texas and Louisiana meant loads of delicious meals. One of my favorite (and easiest!) recipes
comes from Southern Louisiana. Many
current Cajun recipes are often thought of as unhealthy, being high in animal
fats and a lot of rich dairy. Traditionally,
however, our Cajun ancestors used very wholesome, real foods in these
dishes. This recipe for Red Beans and Rice
is a great example of a delicious, healthy Southern meal that emphasizes whole, real foods -- and is perfect for
cold weather!
Red
Beans and Rice
4 cups
dark red kidney beans
4 small
links of organic Andouille or wild venison sausage (optional)
The
“Trinity”:
·
2 stalks of celery, chopped
·
2 small green bell peppers (or 1 large), chopped
·
½ medium yellow onion, chopped
4-5
cloves of garlic, minced4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon thyme
1 tablespoon parsley
2. Rinse
your soaked beans and, if necessary, boil them in water until completely
softened.
3. Slice
and cook sausage in a frying pan. When you
remove cooked sausage, place them on paper towels to soak up some of the extra
grease.
4. Sauté
chopped onions and garlic in the olive oil until onions become translucent
(usually 5-10 minutes on medium heat).
Be sure to use a deep pan or dutch oven (cast iron works best to provide
rich flavor!).
5. Stir
in bell pepper and celery with onions.
Let cook for 5 minutes.
6. Add
parsley, thyme, bay leaves, salt, cayenne pepper, and ground black pepper.
7. Add
beans, sausage, and 2 cups of water.
8. Cover
and let simmer on low-medium heat for 2 hours.
9. Stir
every 30 minutes, adding water when necessary.
The water will thicken as it takes in the vegetables and red beans.
Serve over cooked brown rice, and garnish with Tabasco
for an extra kick.
Cornbread goes great with red beans and rice. Check out this great recipe for some
delicious, healthy cornbread here!
Photo courtesy of Douglas P Perkins |
Enjoy, preferably with those you love!
By our wonderful contributing Blogger, Amanda Breaux!
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