Re: Red Beans and Rice ***** WARNING : OFF-TOPIC ***** - RedBeans.txt (0/1)

On Sun, 25 Jun 2006 15:50:39 -0700, John Larkin
<jjlarkin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Red Beans and Rice

This is the traditional New Orleans Monday lunch or dinner.
It takes all day Sunday to make, and tastes better after
sitting overnight.

[snip the recipe]

I went to NO for the first time in 2003. I fell in love with Red Beans
and Rice. I've made my own version which is based on the traditional one
John describes, but has a couple of differences.

Maybe it is because I never got good beans, but the times I have made it
with the proper kidney beans, I didn't like it as much. My version uses
pinto beans with a little bit of black beans.

I also cheat and use canned beans. Gotta be a decent brand, though. I've
found the ones from Whole Foods are ok but the ones from the chain
markets are crap.

I admit I cut corners so my version only takes a couple hours max to
make. I probably should take the time again to make it with dried beans
and see how much difference it makes. I have a pressure cooker and you
can make good beans from dry in a shorter time.

I tried using Andouille sausage. Never really liked the ones I could
find around here. I tried some others and finally decided that what I
like best is cheap "Giants Hot Links" available in the common grocery
stores around here (I'm in the SF Bay area too). I've found I like it
better to boil them for a short time rather than fry them.

To save some time and effort I ordered a big bag of these Cajun spices:
http://www.shopnatural.com/html/12603.htm
that I keep in the refrigerator so it keeps long enough for me to use it
all.

I agree with the whole process John describes, except for my variations
on the theme. It may not be exactly proper, but I haven't found anyone
yet who doesn't like it. I also find the flavors blend and get better on
the second day.

----

I found the Cajun seasoning I ordered while I was looking for a source
of Vegit:
http://www.shopnatural.com/html/1760.htm

I used to get this stuff from Whole Foods but the one near me stopped
carrying it. I had tried a few things to give some flavor without a lot
of sodium and this is something I found that I liked. I usually a bit of
this in the RB&R too.

.

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