T-Boy’s Red Beans & Rice

This is a traditional Monday food in New Orleans. Everyone has their own recipe for Red Beans & Rice, most of which probably change a little with each cooking. On a Monday the ladies of the house would put on a pot of red beans to cook all day while they tended to the laundry. This inexpensive dish also makes wonderful party food. Don’t forget the Tabasco or Bruce Louisiana’s Red Hot Sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 quart water
• 2 smoked ham hocks or shanks
• 3 cups chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 tsp each red, white and black pepper
• 1 tsp each garlic and onion powder
• 1 tbsp minced garlic, oregano and thyme
• 1 tsp or more Tabasco sauce
• 3 to 4 bay leaves
• 1 pound Andouille of pork sausage cut in ¼” pieces
• 3 cups diced ham (preferably Cure 81)
• 1 pound kidney beans (soaked in hot water while you chop veggies)
• 1/2 stick butter
• Salt to taste

Directions