Marc's Red Beans & Rice

An easy and filling, spicy Cajun meal.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 cups basmati rice
• 2 1⁄2 cups water
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1 (14 ounce)  smoked andouille sausages, thinly sliced, cut in half
• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 1  medium sweet onion, diced
• 1  green bell pepper, diced
• 4  celery ribs, sliced lengthwise and diced
• 2  tablespoons tomato paste
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 2  teaspoons  cajun seasoning
• 4 (15 1/2ounce) cans  red beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (32 ounce) box  chicken stock
• 2  teaspoons  hot sauce
• 1  bay leaf
•  kosher  salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional)

Directions

1. 1. In a medium saucepan of 2 1/2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt, cook rice according to package instructions ; set aside.
2. 2. While rice is cooking, heat vegetable oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add sausage, and cook, stirring frequently until sausage is lightly browned, about 5 minutes; remove from pan and set aside.
3. 3. Add onion, bell pepper and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. 4. Stir in tomato paste, garlic and Cajun seasoning until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. 5. Stir in red beans, chicken stock, hot sauce, bay leaf and sausage; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. 6. Remove from heat, remove bay leaf and stir in rice until well mixed. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes.
7. 7. Serve garnished with parsley, if desired.