CREOLE RED BEANS AND RICE RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Pick over kidney beans, place into a large bowl, and pour in enough water to cover by several inches. Soak kidney beans overnight.
• Drain kidney beans, transfer to a large soup pot, and cover with 3 quarts fresh water.
• Stir in green bell pepper, onion, celery, salt, black pepper, Creole seasoning, and garlic.
• Cover the pot, place over medium heat, and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer until beans are tender, about 4 hours.
• Mix smoked sausage into the beans; cook an additional 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• About 30 minutes before serving time, place 2 cups water and margarine into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
• Stir in rice, return to a boil, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and simmer until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to stand covered for 5 minutes.
• Serve red beans over cooked rice.

Steps:

• Place the beans in a large bowl or pot and cover with water by 2 inches. Let soak for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
• In a large pot, heat the bacon grease over medium-high heat. Add the tasso and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the onions, celery and bell peppers to the grease in the pot. Season with the salt, pepper, and cayenne, and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are soft, about 4 minutes. Add the bay leaves, parsley, thyme, sausage, and ham hocks, and cook, stirring, to brown the sausage and ham hocks, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the beans and stock or water, stir well, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and starting to thicken, about 2 hours. (Should the beans become too thick and dry, add more water, about 1/4 cup at a time.)
• Remove from the heat and with the back of a heavy spoon, mash about 1/4 of the beans against the side of the pot. Continue to cook until the beans are tender and creamy, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and remove the bay leaves.
• Serve over rice and garnish with green onions.