Red beans and rice

Ingredients for 8 servings:

• 4 slice(s) bacon, streaky, cut into pieces
• 1 onion(s), diced
• 1 bell pepper(s), green, diced
• 1 stalk(s) Celery, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 ½ liters of chicken broth
• 1 ½ liters of water
• 500 g kidney beans, dried
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 tsp oregano, fresh, chopped
• 1 tsp thyme, fresh, chopped
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 sausages (Andouille), halved lengthwise and cut into small pieces, alternatively Chorizo ​​or Kielbasa
• 3 cups long grain white rice
• 4 ½ cups water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 ½ tsp salt

Instructions

Working time approx. 20 minutes; Cooking/baking time approx. 3 hours 15 minutes; Total time approx. 3 hours 35 minutes

a tasty, inexpensive and simple dish from the Cajun cuisine

This Southern-inspired dish is perfect for a party. Note: The beans do not need to be soaked beforehand. In a large pot, first fry the bacon pieces over medium heat for about 7 minutes until crispy. Add the onion, diced bell pepper, and celery and sauté for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Now add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Add the water, broth, beans, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Now reduce the heat and let the stew simmer uncovered for 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The beans will then be tender and the dish will be pleasantly creamy. Now add the sausage pieces and simmer for another 30 minutes. Season to taste. If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit the cayenne pepper and, if desired, add a few drops of Tabasco at the end, just for those who like it hot. For the rice, heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and lightly toast for 1-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Deglaze with water and stir in the salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes. Once the liquid has been absorbed, fluff the rice with a fork and serve with the beans. Enjoy!