Simple Beans and Rice

This red beans and rice recipe is delicious and one of the healthiest foods you can find. The preparation is simple, really, and once you figure out how to throw them together, you can start improvising with your own spices.

This is not something you will have time to make after a typical workday, but when you put it together on the weekend, you will have it to eat all through the week.

You’ll Need:

·         1 pound dry red beans

·         1/4 cup olive oil

·         1 large onion, chopped

·         1 bell pepper, chopped

·         2 tablespoons minced garlic

·         2 stalks celery, chopped

·         6 cups water

·         2 bay leaves

·         1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

·         1 teaspoon dried thyme

·         1/4 teaspoon dried sage

·         1 tablespoon dried parsley

·         1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

·         1 pound andouille sausage, sliced

·         4 cups water

·         2 cups long grain white rice

Directions

1.    Rinse beans, and then soak in a large pot of water overnight.

2.    In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, garlic, and celery in olive oil for 3 to 4 minutes.

3.    Rinse beans, and transfer to a large pot with 6 cups water. Stir cooked vegetables into beans. Season with bay leaves, cayenne pepper, thyme, sage, parsley, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 2 1/2 hours.

4.    Stir sausage into beans, and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.

5.    Meanwhile, prepare the rice. In a saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve beans over steamed white rice.