Red Beans and Rice
This was part of the ‘Cajun Birthday Lunch’
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Quite obviously this is not traditional red beans and rice, think of it as a shortcut version – but still tasty! Although I made it as more of a side dish for the Cajun birthday party, everyone seemed to to enjoy it as a main dish – it was gone in no time.
ingredients:
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 clove chopped garlic
2 (15 ounce) cans red beans, drained
1 (16 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 bay leaves
1-1/2 teaspoons Creole seasoning (recipe here)
1 ham steak, chopped
rice
Now see, the reason this is sort of a ‘cheater’s recipe’ is because I used canned red beans instead of soaking dry ones…blah blah, I don’t have the time. When I have the time, I will, but for now – I’m draining the canned beans, ya dig?
In a pot on medium high, start with the ‘holy trinity‘ – onion, celery, bell pepper. Add the garlic until soft.
Pour in the beans and add tomatoes. Then add the Creole seasoning and stir to combine.
Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.
Another ‘cheater’ quick step, instead of boiling down a hamhock I just chop up a ham steak. It works. I promise. Stir in the chopped ham, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Serve with cooked rice and you have a quick fantastic southern meal.
