NEW ORLEANS RICE AND BEANS RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan over med-high heat. Sauté the onions, bell pepper, celery, salt, cayenne, black pepper and thyme for about 5 minutes. Add the bay leaves, ham and sausage and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes
• Add the beans, garlic and 10 cups water to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, and simmered uncovered, stirring occasionally for about 2 hours.
• Add more water if the mixture becomes dry and thick.
• After about 2 hours of initial cooking use a wooden spoon to mash about half of the mixture against the side of pot.
• Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about another hour or until the mixture is creamy and the beans are soft.
• Add more water if it becomes too thick. The mixture should be soupy but not watery.
• Remove the bay leaves and serve with steamed rice.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cover beans in water and soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. (Water should cover beans by at least an inch.)
• In a large, heavy pot, brown sausage in 1 tablespoon of oil until slightly crisp. Add remaining oil, then the garlic and onions. Sauté over medium heat until onions become transparent and limp. Add celery and bell pepper and sauté for 5 minutes.
• Pour soaked beans and water into the pot and bring to a simmer. Add black pepper, cayenne, salt and all herbs except parsley.
• Cook until beans are softened, about 11/2 to 2 hours. Taste and adjust seasonings.
• Fifteen minutes before serving, remove 1 cup of beans to a bowl and, using a fork, mash them and stir back into the pot to enhance the creamy texture of the dish. Add parsley and green onions. Simmer about 15 minutes, taste and adjust seasoning, and add up to 1 cup more water if beans seem too thick. Remove bay leaves. Serve over white long-grain rice.