Red Beans and Rice

Monica J. Pileggi, June 2004


3 cups cooked white rice

1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
2 T. oil
1 lb. Andouille sausage, sliced
1 bay leaf
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cans red beans, with liquid
salt, pepper and Louisiana hot sauce to taste
1 t. cajun seasoning
Parsley, chopped
Thyme, chopped

In a large pot, heat oil and cook the onions, bell pepper, celery and garlic. Cook until tender.

In a separate pan, cook the sausage until cooked through and browned. Drain any fat.

Add the sausage to the vegetable pot and add the bay leaf, tomatoes, beans, seasonings and herbs. Simmer for about 15 minutes, then remove the bay leaf.

To serve, place some rice in a bowl and top with the bean mixture. Have the hot sauce on the table for those that like it really hot.

Serves 6.

Note: You can use any type of meat, such as turkey sausage.