SPICY RED BEANS AND RICE
Red Beans and Rice, a New Orleans staple. Note that in place of smoked sausage you
may want to use Andouille or another spicy sausage, if you like your food to bring tears
to your eyes. Serves 6.
1 15-oz can red beans, undrained
2 cups water
1 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 lb smoked or Cajun sausage, cut in bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 rib celery, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 bay leaves
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin
6 c cooked white rice
Combine beans, water, garlic salt, red pepper, and sausage in a large soup pot. Bring
to a boil; cover and reduce heat to low.
In a skillet, saute onion, celery, and green pepper in olive oil until vegetables are
tender. Add onion mixture to bean mixture. Stir in bay leaves, pepper, and cumin.
Simmer at least one hour. About 15 minutes before serving, remove cover and continue
simmering until mixture is desired consistency. For creamier, thicker results, mash some
or all of the beans against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon.
Serve over white rice.