New Orleans Style Rice & Beans

By LittleValley

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 15 oz red kidney beans
• 15 oz pink beans
• 1 1/4 lb ham steak, cut into 1/2 in dice
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preparation

Step 1

1. Cook rice as label directs.
2. Meanwhile, in nonstick 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add onion, celery, and garlic, and cook 7 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in beans with their liquid, ham, thyme, and pepper; heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer 10 minutes or until mixture thickens slightly.
4. To serve, spoon rice into deep platter; top with bean mixture.