Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage

I would bet you that every true Louisianan (is that the right word?) has a different recipe for Red Beans and Rice, the traditional Monday meal (it was, after all, laundry day).  In fact today, many restaurants in Louisiana only serve RB&W on Mondays.  I know that I have never made it the same way twice.  

This is an effort to comingle several recipes and it is a wonderful one-dish meal.  Serve with with white rice, or brown rice for a whole-grain dish.  I serve it with cole slaw (see 3-30-13 post).

NOTE:  Prepare a day ahead.....these beans need to soak overnight.

RED BEANS and RICE with ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE (Serves 4)

1/2 pound dried red beans
2 oz salt pork, diced
1/2 pound smoked pork hocks
1/2 pound andouille sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-rounds
1/2 large yellow onion, diced
2 tsp garlic, minced
1 large stalk of celery, diced
1 green bell pepper, cored and diced
1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 large or 2 small bay leaves
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 quart chicken or vegetable broth
Hot sauce, to taste
S&P to taste
2 cups cooked (hot) long grain white rice
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 scallion, thinly sliced

Fill a large pot or bowl with water, then add the beans.  Stir, then cover and set aside to soak overnight.

When ready to cook, drain the beans and set aside.

In a large, deep pot with a heavy bottom, such as a Dutch oven, over medium heat, brown the salt pork until crispy, about 12 minutes.  Add the pork hocks, sausage, onion, garlic, celery, bell peppers, and Cajun seasoning.  Cook until starting to brown, about 7-8 minutes.

Add the bay leave(s), thyme, stock, and the drained beans.  Simmer over medium heat and cook, uncovered, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.  If the mixture gets too dry, add water a small amount at a time.  Season with hot sauce, S&P.

In a medium bowl, stir together the rice, parsley, and scallions.  Serve with the red beans.

Recipe Source:  The Chattanooga Free-Times Press (3-13-13), The Associated Press (Alison Ladman)