Red Beans and Rice

A treat from New Orleans that is a meal to make when you don't feel like cooking. It's terribly easy to put together - just throw everything in a pot or crock pot, if you have one, heat on low for a few hours and wa-la, dinner is served. Red Beans and Rice is flavorful, healthy and helps you clean out the fridge of leftover vegetables. I added carrots, but you can also add greens, green beans, peas and even some root vegetables - go ahead and get creative. This recipe makes four generous servings or you can divide into six for a more moderate meal. Enjoy!

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Red Beans and Rice
Adapted from a recipe in Bon Apetit May 2006

Servings: 4

Time: 15 minutes active; about 3 hours total

Price: ~$7.00 total; <$2.00 per serving

Nutrition (per serving):

Calories: 655.9

Protein: 35.6g

Fat: 9.1g

Saturated Fat: 1.1g

Carbohydrates: 112.6g

Fiber: 19.8g

Sodium: 672.4mg

Cholesterol: 0mg

3 cups broth or water

1 1/2 cup dried red kidney beans

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped green pepper

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped carrots

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp ground paprika

1/2-1 tsp cayenne pepper, to taste

1/2 tsp SnP each

1/2-14oz package of meatless sausage (2 links), I used Tofurky Kielbasa

2 bay leaves, divided

5 garlic cloves, minced

3 cups hot cooked long grain rice (1 1/2 cup dried rice)

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1. Combine all ingredients (using one bay leaf) except rice and green onions in a pot or crock pot. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours, checking the doneness of the beans after each hour.

Nearly all the ingredients go straight into the pot.

After one hour, the beans are still hard and vegetables still not cooked.

After two hours, the vegetables and beans are soaking up the liquid.

After three hours, the beans are soft and falling apart and the vegetables and sausage have taken a deep, earthy color.

2. In the last hour, put the rice, bay leaf and 3 cups water in a second pot. Heat over medium heat until the water boils, stir once and then cover and simmer over low heat for 40-50 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes, fluff with a fork and ensure all the water is absorbed.

3. To serve, portion out rice and cover with sausage/bean mixture. Top with chopped green onions. For a spicier dish, add a few shakes of your favorite hot sauce.