Well, we have a new player in town when it comes to dried Red Beans. Forever the local brand has always been Camelia brand beans. There have been others like store brands and the like but for the majority of Louisianians and more around the south Camelia was the best known and most used for Red Beans and Rice. Recently we have a new to the dry bean market available here. Blue Runner! They have been making canned red beans as well as other varieties since 1918. They're not bad but thry do need seasonings and meat added to them right out of the can.
Last week I saw the dried beans version and decided to give them a try. So today I'm cooking three pounds of Blue Runner Red Beans. At first glance they look just like the Camelia brand but I will admit that like they say on the package "Premiunm Select" they do look like some good beans.
I put these to soak overnight in plain water and drained and rinsed them this morning. This morning I put some of my homemade Cajun sausage on the Keg for a good smoking using pecan and oak woods.
Chopping seasonings(onions, bell pepper, celery and garlic)and cutting sausage, andouille and tasso it was time to put it all together.
THEN, it was time to add the beans!
Added enough stock I made from roasted and smoked pork butt bones the other day and it was time for simmering.
Oh, and just for clarification, the reason these are "Mardi Gras Red Beans" is because we're not eating these today but for tomorrow along with a cheesy jalapeno cornbread and homemade biscuits and probably some more grilled Cajun sausage on the side.