Monday, October 15, 2012

Monday and Red Beans and Rice

For many years in the south Monday was always wash day. Sunday was a day of rest and this was needed to get ready for the laborious task of laundry. A pot of beans could be put on in the morning and let simmer all day while you were busy with laundry.   Luckily today we are blessed with washers and dryers.  One of the old ways that I personally am glad that  is gone. I wanted to share this delicious recipe for a hearty stew of sorts as the days turn cooler.

New Orleans Red Beans and Rice
 
1 pound of dried red beans (cover with water and soak overnight)
1/2 pound of thick bacon
1 package of andouille sausage
1 pound ham
1 large onion, chopped
1 large bell pepper, chopped
3 stalks of celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, to taste, if you like it hot add more
black pepper to taste
1 tsp dried basil
2 bay leaves
2 quarts chicken broth
1/2 Tbl canola oil
Hot white rice
 
 
Chop the bacon and cook in a large pot. I like to use hickory smoked thick bacon. The flavor is really worth it.
Chop celery, onion and bell pepper.  This pepper was so big that I only had to use half and I put the rest in a baggie in the freezer for later use.
In southern cooking this combination is also known as the Holy Trinity. It is the basis for so many recipes.
Add to the bacon and drippings. Do not drain out the grease. It adds flavor. Sweat vegies until tender.
Chop garlic and add to pot.
Stir and cook a bit longer.
I am amazed that I found Andouille sausage in Maine. If you can't find it, you can use Kelbasa. I just can't imagine this but the recipe says you can. This spicy sausage is usually made in Cajun country however, mine came from New Hampshire. It has a smoked, spicy flavor.
Slice the sausage in about 1/2 inch slices.
I just gave the ham a rough chunk.
Brown the sausage and ham in a pan with the canola oil.
Add black pepper to taste
cayenne
 
dried basil
bay leaves
into the pot.
Drain the beans after soaking overnight. Save the liquid. It is chocked full of vitamins and will add flavor to the stew.
Combine leftover bean juice and enough chicken broth to equal 2 quarts.
Add the broth mixture to the pot and then throw in the ham and sausage.
Cook over low heat, uncovered until the beans become tender.  About 2-3 hours.
The liquid will thicken and the color will change to a nice warm brown. Serve over white rice. It is even better the next day when the flavors have time to meld. Leftovers can be frozen for a quick meal on a cold night.
Hope you try and enjoy this meal. We love it! Happy Wash Day.
Much Love and Prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm



8 comments:

Mike said...

I use a simple recipe.
I mostly do white beans with bacon, salt and chili powder.
Mash up some pan-fried cornbread and I can eat myself sick.

Eggs In My Pocket said...

YUM!! You have me wanting to make this! It looks like it would be perfect for a chilly day! Thanks for sharing!

Dog Trot Farm said...

What a perfect recipe for a cold winter's night. I can smell the cajun aroma, this is something my sister in-law would serve at her home in northern florida. Thank you for sharing. Yup, got my laundry caught up today! Greetings, Julie.

GreyWolf said...

My cardiologist would have a fit if he knew I even read this recipe. Heck, I'll probably need a stent or two just from looking at the pictures. It does look delish though.

jaz@octoberfarm said...

i just made this the other day. i love red beans and rice. i love cajun anything!

Unknown said...

OH MY that looks good! Great recipe!

Carolyn said...

This sounds fantastic-my husband will love it! Thanks!

Rian said...

Hi, I came across your blog while reading other blogs and right away saw your red beans and rice pictures. It's so funny as we are both from New Orleans and DH is in the process of cooking this recipe as we speak. Your recipe is definitely authentic and very similar to ours. I love red beans and rice! Some people leave out the bacon and it just ruins it for me.
Also love your pictures!