Red Beans and Rice

Step 1 -

Heat dutch oven or pot over medium heat and add oil

Step 2 -

Sear the sausages to brown all over and remove to a plate.

Step 3 -

Add bacon and a 1/2 cup of water and simmer to render the bacon fat. When the water evaporates the bacon will fry in its own fat.

Step 4 -

When the bacon is crispy, remove to a plate.

Step 5 -

Add onions, garlic, celery and bell peppers and sauté for about 8-10 minutes or until soft.

Step 6 -

Add the beans and enough water to cover by 2 inches.

Step 7 -

Bring to a boil and continue to boil for 15 minutes. Lower the heat and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours. Begin testing at an hour.

Step 8 -

Purée or mash half of the beans to make a creamier texture and add the bacon.

Step 9 -

Season with salt.

Step 10 -

Reheat the sausages, I like to add them to the pot of beans and close the lid to steam for 5 minutes. You can also cut the sausage into pieces and mix with the beans.

Step 11 -

Serve over white rice with scallions and hot sauce.