New Orleans Red Beans and Rice

Rev. Roy's Note:

I found this recipe in "The New Orleans CookBook" by Rima & Richard Collin. It was an incredible hit the first night with family and friends, and it gets even better the next day. I was unable to find pickled pork and used salt pork instead. Delete the salt from the recipe if you make this substitution. I highly recommend pan-baked corn bread on the side with this one (see New Orleans Skillet Baked Cornbread).

• Total Time: 3 hrs 40 mins
• Prep Time: 40 mins
• Cook Time: 3 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 2 lbs dried red kidney beans , soaked overnight in cold water
• 2 cups chopped onions
• ½ cup thinly sliced shallots or ½ cup scallion top
• ½ cup chopped green pepper
• 1 1⁄3; tablespoons finely minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh parsley
• 1 lb seasoning baked ham , cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 lb pickled pork , cut into large chunks
• 1 large ham bone , with some meat on it 4 to 5 inches in length
• 1 tablespoon salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1⁄8; teaspoon cayenne
• 1⁄8; teaspoon crushed red pepper pod
• 2 whole bay leaves , broken into quarters
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1⁄8; teaspoon dried basil
• 2 quarts cold water , approximately
• steamed rice or boiled rice

Directions:

1. Drain soaked beans in a colander and place them with all other ingredients except rice into a heavy 8-10 quart pot, adding just enough cold water to cover.
2. Bring to boil over high heat, then lower heat and simmer uncovered for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until beans are tender and a thick, natural gravy has formed.
3. Add 1 cup of water toward end of cooking if it is looking too dry for your tastes.
4. Stir about every half hour just once or twice around the pot.
5. When beans are cooked turn off heat.
6. To serve, ladle about 1 1/2 cups of beans, meat and gravy over a serving of rice.

Reviews

[kit in NO]

As a native New Orleanean, I make this dish all the time (as did those several generations before me). My only suggestions would be to add 1 cup of chopped celery and substitute marjoram for the basil. It truly makes our Mondays special around here.

[Malriah]

Using Salt Pork or even bacon will not give you the same effect. Its good but for the real deal here is a suggested recipe so that you can make your own (Pickle Meat aka Pickled Pork #30250) Try it, it is definately worth it! Other than that, this recipe is right on. I also am a fan of not using the basil but I would not sub anything for it, just omit it. I miss home now.

[sugarpea]

Beyond a doubt the best red beans and ham I have ever made or tasted! I substituted 6 thin slices of bacon for the salt pork but otherwise followed the recipe. I took the suggestion and made this the night before. The next morning I sacrificed a few of the beans on top in order to remove the coagulated fat. I was surprised at how little fat there was. This is definitely not the typical New Orleans hot and spicey red beans and rice. It's mildly flavored and should be a big hit with kids. I've made a note to double the "heat" next time. An outstanding recipe. Thank you soooo much, Rev. Roy.