Red Beans and Rice

By RoketJSquerl

Use dried kidney beans; canned beans break apart and turn mushy long before the broth is fully seasoned. Sort the beans carefully before cooking to catch any small pebbles or other debris. Flavor the broth with the trinity of Cajun cooking: onion, bell pepper and celery. Soften the vegetables in rendered bacon to lend the broth a deep, meaty flavor.
Cook the beans in a blend of water and chicken broth for a rich flavor that’s not particularly “chickeny.”
Because the beans simmer so long, dried herbs work well. A blend of oregano, thyme, and bay leaves is characteristic of Cajun cooking.

Ingredients

• 4 Slices Bacon, chopped medium
• 1 Small Onion, chopped fine
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped fine
• 1 Rib Celery, chopped fine
• 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
• Ground, black pepper
• 1 Teaspoon Oregano Leaves, minced fresh
• 1 Teaspoon Thyme Leaves, minced fresh
• 1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• 4 Bay Leaves
• Table, salt
• 1 Pound Kidney Beans, rinsed and picked over
• 7 Cups Chicken Broth
• 7 Cups Water
• 1/2 Pound Andouille Sausage, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch half-moons
• 6 Cups Rice, Instant (from 3 cups raw rice)
• Hot pepper sauce

Details

Servings 8

Preparation

Step 1

1. Cook bacon in large Dutch oven over medium heat until lightly browned and fat has rendered, about 7 minutes. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 1 teaspoon pepper, oregano, thyme, cayenne, bay leaves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, beans, broth, and water, and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain vigorous simmer (mixture will be steaming and several bubbles should be breaking the surface) and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until beans are soft and liquid thickens, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

2. Stir in sausage and cook until liquid is thick and creamy, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over hot cooked rice with hot pepper sauce, if desired. (Leftover beans can be refrigerated in airtight container for several days.)