Beans and rice is a classic combination with different versions showing up in various cuisines from around the world.One of my favorite versions at the moment is this Cajun style red beans and rice dish which is pure comfort food
With all of the main ingredients in place that leaves the basics which include onions, celery, green pepper, garlic and chicken stock . From there, the Cajun flavors are built up with some ingredients commonly found in Cajun spice blends including paprika, oregano, thyme and some cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. The key to this dish is of course the long simmer and if you have the time, let it simmer for a while. Once the beans are cooked you simply serve them or you could also keep things simple and mix the rice right into the beans like I did in the photo.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 35 minute
Ingredients
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 pound andouille sausage (cut into small pieces)
1 cup onion (diced)
1/2 cup celery (diced)
1/2 cup green pepper (diced)
4 cloves garlic (chopped)
4 cups ham broth or chicken broth or chicken stock
3 cups dry beans(boil until tender) or1 (28 ounce) can red beans (rinsed and drained)
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon thyme
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste
4 cups cooked rice (i like Jasmin rice)
Instructions:
Heat the oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat add the sausage and saute until lightly golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, and set aside.
Add the onions, celery and green pepper to the pan and cook until tender, about 7-10 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the stock, beans, paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer covered for at least 1 hour continuing for another hour or two if you have the time to bring out more flavour.
Mash or puree about a quarter of the beans.
Serve and enjoy.
Comments