New Orleans Style Red Beans and Rice – A Creole Classic

New Orleans style red beans and rice is a savory, hearty dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s a classic Southern recipe that’s sure to warm your stomach and your heart. This dish which originated from Louisiana, signifies a culinary tradition that is deeply embedded in the culture of the south, with every family having their unique twist.

Why Red Beans and Rice?

This meal represents a perfect blend of culture, comfort, and vitality in Southeastern USA. Traditionally served on Mondays, it utilizes Sunday’s leftover ham or pork bones from the much-loved Southern Sunday dinner. This tradition takes us back to the practice of slow cooking the red beans all day while completing laundry tasks. These days, red beans and rice has become a delectable mainstay gracing the tables of many, regardless of the day of the week.

The Nitty Gritty of New Orleans Style Red Beans Rice Recipe

Now, we are diving into the recipe! Here are the ingredients.

• 1 lb. dried red kidney beans
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp. thyme
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp. parsley
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups long grain rice
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste

Directions:

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s move on to the steps:

1. Soak the beans overnight. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and celery in oil until softened.
3. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
4. Add the sausage and ham hock to the pot, followed by the soaked beans. Add enough water to cover all the ingredients.
5. Add the bay leaves, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 2 hours – occasionally stirring and adding water as needed.
7. Once the beans are tender, remove about 1 cup of beans from the pot and mash them before adding them back. This gives the dish its creamy texture.
8. Cook your long grain rice separately in a pot or rice cooker.
9. Adjust the seasoning of the beans to taste and serve over the cooked rice.

There you have it, a mouthwatering class from the heart of Southern rich history and tradition. It’s a comfort dish that brings your family together. New Orleans style red beans and rice is definitely more than just a meal; it’s a celebration.