Homemade Red Beans and Rice

As much as I hate to admit this, for the last several years when ever I got a craving for red beans I always opened a can of Blue Runner red beans, doctored it up a little bit and I was good to go. I finally decided it was time to move on to the real thing. This was my first time attempting red beans from scratch and it was a complete success. My fiance, DJ, said they were the best he's ever eaten!

Homemade Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients:

1 pound dry red beans

1 package smoked sausage

1 smoked ham steak

1 ham hock

1 large onion chopped

3-4 stalks of celery chopped

2 cloves garlic minced

4-5 green onions chopped

3-4 tbsp fresh parsley

10 cups water

seasonings:

2 bay leaves

1 tsp basil

1 tsp thyme

1/2 tbsp garlic powder

1/2 tbsp onion powder

1/2 tbsp pepper

1/2 tbsp Tony Chachere's

Directions:

1. Soak beans in water overnight

2. When you are ready for cooking. Chop sausage and ham then brown in a large pot over medium heat.

3. Add vegetables to pot and saute until soft (appx. 5 minutes)

4. Drain red beans and add to the large pot. Mix in and cook for about 3 minutes.

5. Add water and seasonings. You may have to adjust seasonings while cooking. Taste halfway and test.

6. Bring to a boil then immediately reduce heat and simmer on low for about 2-3 hours or until beans are tender. If you like you beans a little creamy, use a potato masher to mash some of the beans while everything is cooking.

7. Serve with rice and enjoy!