Red Beans & Rice Cajun Style - Recipe

RED BEANS & RICE - CAJUN STYLE

Beans
1/2 bulk ITALIAN SAUSAGE, sweet or hot
3 cups RED BEANS
3 qts. WATER
1/2 cup BUTTER or MARGARINE
1 medium ONION, diced
1 medium GREEN PEPPER, diced
1 stalk CELERY, diced
4 Tbsp. FLOUR
1 BAY LEAF
1 tsp. SALT
1 tsp. BLACK PEPPER
1 tsp. WHITE PEPPER
1 tsp. CAYENNE
1/2 tsp. CUMIN

Rinse & sort beans. Cover with water & soak overnight; OR bring to a boil for 5 minutes, remove from heat, cover & let rest for 1 hour. Drain, rinse & cover beans with water. Add bay leaf. Bring to a boil, cover & simmer approx. 1-1/2 hours, or until tender. Meanwhile, melt butter in large skillet. Stir in flour. Turn heat to medium-high & continue stirring until roux turns a dark brown, being careful it doesn't burn. Immediately remove from heat and add vegetables & spices, all the while stirring.

Rice

1 cup WHITE RICE
1 tsp. SALT
2 cups WATER

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice & salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce to low and simmer for 20 min. Fluff with fork, replace lid & allow to rest for 10 minutes.

Add vegetable mixture & rice to beans. Reheat when ready to serve. Serves 8-10.