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@ SLCW
2024-12-08 05:33:02
## Chef's notes
This is my late partner's award winning Cajun rice & beans recipe. It's an updated take on the traditional Cajun comfort food.
Chef Darin was a classically trained chef who spent 30+ years in the kitchen perfecting his recipes, and delivering authentic Cajun and Creole food to his patrons. This is a 5-star dish that will earn the respect of the most discerning Cajun afficionado. You won't be disappointed.
I suggest making this recipe exactly as directed the first time, and then make whatever adjustments you want for future batches. Also, don't cheap out on the Andouille. No Johnsonville or Hillshire Farms. Chef Aidelle's is a good choice, as is Silva's from Whole Foods. They cost a few extra bucks, but it's absolutely worth it.
## Details
- ⏲️ Prep time: 30 min
- 🍳 Cook time: 3 hours
- 🍽️ Servings: 12
## Ingredients
- 16oz small red beans, dry
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 14-16oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 8oz ham, cubed
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2-3 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tbsp garlic (12 cloves), minced
- 7 cups water
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 large bay leaves
- 1 tbsp parsley, dried
- 1 tsp thyme, dried
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper, dried
- ¼ tsp sage, rubbed
- 1½ tsp salt (more or less to taste)
## Directions
1. Soak beans in a large pot of water overnight.
2. Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic in olive oil for 3 to 4 minutes (until onion is translucent).
3. Add beans, bay leaves, parsley, thyme, salt, MSG, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, Sage, and water. Stir, bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low (btwn 2-3). Cover and simmer for 2½ hours.
4. Remove bay leaves. Mash some of the beans. Stir Andouille and ham into beans, and simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the rice. Bring water and rice to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Serve beans over steamed white rice.