When I am looking for something simple and practical to prepare for a potluck or a snug weekend at home, I often think of this recipe. Red Beans and Rice works well as a side dish to share with friends. It also makes a great main course for a cozy dinner at home.
The Transformation of Dry Beans
Just over a month ago I posted some thoughts about what it might taste like to eat our words. In an effort to be more mindful of the impact of the words we speak, I suggested a fast from our faults of the tongue in observation of the season of Lent. Now it is time to bring the beans and raisins that we collected to the table.
I don’t know about you but my bowl of beans filled up more quickly than I would have liked. Word by word those hard dry beans became a significant pile in the bowl. Now, in the final week of our fast, it is time to cover them with life-giving water and realize their transformation. Covered with water, the beans will soak overnight. As they soak, the hard outer shell begins to open and the beans slowly absorb the water and soften.
The next day the beans will be noticeable larger. Then they are ready to drain and rinse before covering them once more with fresh water. Now it is time to apply some heat and turn those hard dry beans we collected during our fast into a nourishing dish that is both tasty and nutritious. Fortunately I have just the recipe.
Cinnamon and Bay Leaves Season Red Beans and Rice
This is a recipe I found many years ago. It was cut from a magazine, possibly Southern Living, and taped into my recipe binder shortly after I got married and moved to Texas. The pinch of cinnamon and the bay leaves sounded intriguing. They reminded me of the Kentucky Chili I grew up enjoying back home.
I had probably never cooked dried beans before I tried this recipe. All the same, my Red Beans and Rice were a hit. My friends enjoyed them and now my family does too. When I am looking for something simple and practical to prepare for a potluck or a snug weekend at home, I often think of this recipe. Red Beans and Rice works well as a side dish. These thoughtfully seasoned beans blend well with many styles of food. Of course they also make a great main course for a cozy dinner around the family table. Rounded out with a simple salad and a big slice of cornbread, with maybe some homemade Oatmeal Cookies for dessert, Red Beans and Rice are still a family favorite.
Enjoy!
Red Beans and Rice
Course: Main Dish, VegetablesDifficulty: Easy6-8
servings15
minutes3
hoursThis recipe makes a practical side dish for a large gathering or a delicious main course for a cozy dinner at home. Add a simple salad and a big slice of cornbread to complete the meal.
Ingredients
1 pound dried red beans
3 quarts water
1 pound cooked ham, diced
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 bay leaves
Hot cooked rice
Directions
- Rinse and sort the dried beans. Place them in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add enough water to cover 2 inches above the beans. Cover and let soak overnight.
- Next day: Drain and rinse the beans in a colander.
- Return the beans to the soup pot or Dutch oven and cover beans with the water. Bring to a boil.
- Add the next 8 ingredients. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours or until beans are tender.
- When the beans are tender, mash some against the side of the pan with a spoon (up to half the beans) and stir well until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered up to another hour or so, stirring occasionally until they are done.
- Discard bay leaves. Serve hot over rice.
I like the sound of the cinnamon in here…and the yummy ham! I love bean and rice together.
Hi Lisa!
I wanted to let you know that I tagged your blog in my "10 things that make me happy" award post. Thank you for being an inspiration and such a help in my start to blogging!
Sarah
Love this hearty combination of flavors and textures. This is perfect comfort food during this crazy weather we're having.
I love comfort food, and of course anything economical. . . this fits both bills. Though sorry that bowl filled up so quickly (hope the raisin one was equally fast)! 😉
cinnamon! how unexpected and marvelous! great bowl o' comfort cuisine, lisa. 🙂
Red Beans and Rice is one of my all time favorite foods.