Easy Red Beans and Rice

Long a comfort food from down south, Red Beans and Rice also has a bit of history attached to it.  Ham was the traditional Sunday dinner (or supper as they often called it).  Back then Monday was also often called "Washday" as it was the day all the laundry was done..   For the ladies of the house, a pot of beans, with the leftover ham bone and spices added for flavoring, was an easy Monday dinner that wouldn't take a lot of attention away from getting the washing done. They could assemble the ingredients and let it simmer while they attended to the laundry.

I don't know about you, but a ham is not a traditional Sunday dinner at my house.  As a matter of fact, we probably only have ham 2 or 3 times a year.  This can be a problem since various ham & beans recipes, especially Red Beans and Rice, are among my favorites. I've come up with this recipe which has a bit of flavor but is not overly spicy, as traditional Red Beans and Rice is actually rather mild and served with a bottle of hot sauce so everyone can adjust the octane level to their own desires.

Be sure to read all the way to the bottom.

Let's go!

1 pound package dry red beans
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, diced
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound Andouille (Cajun Sausages, or hot links)
White Rice

Sort and rinse the beans as per the package directions. Place in the pot with the onion and garlic, add enough water so the beans are covered by about 1-1/2".  Add the red pepper flakes and black pepper and stir.  Bring to a boil, the lower the heat until it is at a simmer.   Simmer for about 2 hours.  Slice the sausage on an angle into pieces about 1/2" thick.  Add to the pot and return to a boil.  Once at a boil, again lower the heat to a simmer for about an hour.

While the pot is simmering, cook a couple cups of rice per the package directions.  I like to use Chicken Broth instead of water when making the rice.

When the beans are cooked and ready, serve over rice. You can garnish it with a fresh parsley sprig or with green onions for a "fancy look" if you like.

As an aside, corn bread or biscuits are great with this dish!

This is a real basic recipe.  You can add additional spices such as parsley, thyme, bay leaf.  You can add chopped ham or bacon crumbles if you want more meat.  You can add diced bell pepper and/or chopped celery.   Try different ways until you find the recipe you like and make it your own!