Miss Sharon's Jazzy New Orleans Red Beans and Rice Recipe

(In an effort to improve literacy skills, we at SVDP-ALC have decided to take advantage of one of the things Hurricane Katrina could not destroy -- our great food! So, we asked some of our students to write their recipes for great New Orleans dishes. Here is Sharon Kenney, a wonderful student at SVDP-ALC and her recipe for home-made New Orleans Red Beans and Rice. This is a very, very popular dish in the Crescent City; and it is traditionally served every Monday. Historically, Monday was wash day in New Orleans; and the beans would cook all day while the washing was done. Sharon's recipe jazzes up the dish with some extra flavors and spices.

-- Adrian)

New Orleans Red Beans and Rice Recipe

By Sharon Kenney

Red Beans and Rice is a really famous dish in Old New Orleans, and it really tastes great. It is healthy too.

List of Ingredients:

1. Smoked Sausage; 2. Ham cut in chunks; 3. Onions cut up, garlic, parsley; 4. Dry red beans.

Cook rice separatly, season to taste.

How to cook Red Beans:

1. Wash beans first, then throw away water.

2. Soak beans in new water for many hours, if possible. Then throw away water.

3. Onion, cook in a big pot with garlic and parsley.

4. Add beans and new water to cover beans, cook on low, stir.

5. Sausage and ham must be pre-cooked already. Cut them up and add to the beans, cook.

6. Add salt and pepper to taste while cooking. Add Louisiana-style hot sauce (or cayenne) to taste to individual plate after cooking, if you want.

7. Cook beans down for 2 and 1/2 hours or more, add water as needed, stir. Cook until soft and creamy. Cover pot while cooking.

How to Serve the Beans:

Serve over rice with French Bread or dinner rolls. Serve with lettuce and tomato salad with olive oil or mayonnaise. Pecan pie or apple pie are good for dessert.

(This sounds great, Sharon. I can't wait to try it. Gumbo, Red Beans and Rice, and Jambalaya are really the main three dishes in New Orleans especially to feed a large crowd for Mardi Gras gatherings at home, parties, or anytime really. -- Adrian)