a Louisiana favorite

When it comes to the traditional favorite known as red beans and rice, most know it's a dish that originates from Louisiana. However, there is a whole lot more than meets the eye with this Louisiana favorite, so if you want to dig a little deeper into the history of red beans and rice..I suggest this website for some interesting facts: History of Red Beans and Rice

My husband and I were traveling yesterday to a place we visit often because of my husband's work.  We normally eat at the same choice restaurants in the area but we were both feeling like something a little different on this particular trip. I turned to my iPhone where I have an app for Trip Advisor where the best and worst is revealed.  We have turned to this great resource many times and it has always provided us good advice on lodging, points of interest and places to dine.  The #1 rated restaurant in the area was Broussard's Cajun Cuisine.  We made this choice and loved the atmosphere and food.  There was a live band and it was on the river front.  What more could you ask for?


One might wonder where I'm going with all of this...well after eating at Broussard's I decided to go home the next day and dig through my recipe files to find a recipe that I was lucky enough to get many years ago from a Louisiana native.  Mrs. Heifner was her name and she was a 4th grade teacher at an elementary school in Florida where I was an aide.  I had not prepared this recipe for quite some time, so after having red beans and rice at Broussard's I thought it was time to make Mrs. Heifner's recipe again.  It was delicious and it always has been every time I have prepared it!!  Take my husband's word for it!


THE RECIPE - Red Beans and Rice
SHARED BY MRS. HEIFNER
(Printable Copy)

• Saute one medium onion, one bell pepper, three cloves of garlic and 1/2 cup celery (all chopped fine) in 1/2 stick unsalted butter and 1/3 cup olive oil.
• Add finely chopped ham and simmer 20/30 minutes.
• Add 3 cans red beans (prefer Blue Runner brand).
• Season with garlic salt, salt, pepper, hot sauce, bay leaves (to taste).
• Put Italian sausage (Hillshire farm link brand) in microwave for a few minutes.  Chop fine and add to bean mixture last.
• Heat and serve over rice.

I didn't have a bell pepper on hand, but had an
Anaheim Chile Pepper...worked out well!

Love this Devo olive oil!

One of my favorite things!
Chops all my veggies, ham and sausage
for this recipe with ease!

Add olive oil and butter to a cool pan.

Saute all veggies until tender and slightly browned.

Finely chopped ham.

After adding ham, simmer 20/30 minutes.

Add beans and season to taste.

Sausage is added last before heating and serving.

I prefer beef smoked-sausage.
Serve final product over a bed of rice.

Stars of the show!