Red Beans & Rice

Cooking red beans and rice is a long term commitment. Well, it used to take all day. The story goes that New Orleanians eat red beans for dinner on Mondays because Monday was traditionally wash day. The beans were started early in the morning, and then the clothes washing began. By evening, when all of the washing was complete, the beans were ready. 

In my family, Tuesday was red beans and rice day because of Fat Tuesday, aka Carnival Day, aka Mardi Gras. They put the beans on to simmer over a low fire, early Mardi Gras morning before they left for the parades. By the time they returned home that evening, the red beans were just right. 

This recipe is a nod to the old days. These beans are cooked slow in a crockpot, but please feel free to decrease the time by using an instant pot or pressure cooker. At the end of it, the goal is to have rich, creamy red beans that are full of flavor and taste as if they were on the stove all day.

Ingredients:

2 tbsps each of The Cook Shop Creole & Cajun Seasoning Blends

1  lb red beans- rinse beans until water runs clear

1 lb sliced smoke sausage

Ham hocks or 2 smoked turkey necks for a healthier version

1 onion, chopped

1/4 bell pepper, chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped

1 tbsp tomato paste

2 cups chicken broth

1 tsp avocado oil
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1 cup rice
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Equipment
Crockpot

Directions:

Boil ham hocks or smoked turkey necks in a small pot with enough water to cover meat. Add in half of chopped onion and The Cook Shop Seasoning Blends.
Next combine chicken broth, water and tomato paste in crock pot.
Add in the other half of the chopped onion and bell pepper. Pour in the red beans, then add in the Cajun and Creole seasoning blends.

Once the ham hocks or smoked turkey necks are cooked and tender, add them to the crockpot and top off with water from turkey necks.
Cook 6-8 hours in crockpot.
Transfer beans from crockpot to stove top.

Next, put skillet on medium heat. Once heated, pour in oil.
Brown the sausage and add to beans on stovetop. Cook 15-20 minutes. Add more of The Cook Shop Creole & Cajun Seasoning Blends to taste.

Prepare rice, Plate and Enjoy!

Serves 4

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