ISO Uncle Bob's (and others) advice on Red Beans and Rice

[suziquzie]

I've looked at about 6 Red beans and rice recipes, here's what I've come up with. I like it, I add a few drops of Sriracha to it on my plate. Am I missing anything?

28 oz diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves
2 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion chopped
2 cans kidney beans, rinsed, drained
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 lb kielbasa, cut in slices
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp cumin
1 green pepper, diced
dash or 4 hot sauce
1-2 tb flour (to thicken)
All in the crockpot about 6 hours, served over steamed rice

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by suziquzie

I've looked at about 6 Red beans and rice recipes, here's what I've come up with. I like it I add a few drops of Sriracha to it on my plate. Am I missing anything? (Emphasis mine)

28 oz diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves
2 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion chopped
2 cans kidney beans, rinsed, drained
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 lb kielbasa, cut in slices
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp cumin
1 green pepper, diced
dash or 4 hot sauce
1-2 tb flour (to thicken)
All in the crockpot about 6 hours, served over steamed rice

Miss Suzie the main thing I see missing is either a nice french bread or sometimes cornbread! You saying you like it says it all!! Nothing more really needs to be said....

I personally like to start with a ham bone, simmered to make a base to build on, and I normally don't use tomatoes...other than that which may be peculiar to me I say

Enjoy!!!!

Edit: PS I use the dry beans rather than the canned ones...just a personal preference...

[suziquzie]

Thank you I appreciate your advice! Just wanted to try to get it close to "authentic" before I go around saying "I love Red Beans and Rice!"....... just as I would be pretty silly running around eating an apple saying "I love oranges!!!!" :)

[Uncle Bob]

You are very welcome! If you get a chance to try a left over ham bone with lots of ham left...go for it. Ham hocks would work...not as much meat, but a nice flavor. The sun want quit shining if you use salt pork or bacon in addtion to sausage if you have it on hand...This type/style of cooking in a lot of ways is about using what you have...Mostly just.....

Have Fun & Enjoy!

[VeraBlue]

Hiya, sorry for the late response...just got back from New Orleans!

When I make red beans and rice, I use a trinity base that is particularly lighter than usual on the green pepper, with ample amounts of butter and garlic for a quick browning. Then I add the sliced andouille or any other hot sausage you can get your hands on and like. Cook for a few more minutes. Then I add the beans and the water they soaked in (make sure you rinse them before soaking), a nice sized ham bone, bay leaves, some cajun seasoning ( I like Tony Cachere's, but that is sometimes hard to come by up here), S&P and a few good dashes to hot sauce. Cover and simmer for about 3 hours, adding more water if necessary. Serve over rice.

[suziquzie]

Thanks, VB. I'm sort of suprised to see that the tomato is not part of the original!
My thinking is that I am probably putting them (tomatoes) in there because I am forcing myself to like beans.... I never really have. Same with eggs. They are so good for you, and so inexpensive, you have to eat them! ..... I just feel I have to cover them up with ALOT of stuff!

[VeraBlue]

Honey, if you do this right, you won't need the tomato...nor will you miss it.

[suziquzie]

NO TOMATO?????
Boy I hope so, I put in in everything....
Grew up with too many Bronx Italians I guess!!!

[Uncle Bob]

The sausage will taste so much better if you add it during say the last 20 or 30 minutes...don't over cook it......

Enjoy!

[suziquzie]

Wow I'm really drooling....
I wish I didn't have chicken marinating right now!