Yesterday’s meal was one that everyone in the family enjoys. For several years, I made a recipe for Red Beans and Rice in the crock pot that everyone liked, but it was kind of dry, without a sauce. I was looking for a change, and I came across this recipe, which is still very simple, yet pleased everyone. I double this one as well to feed my large family. Personally, I always double and triple recipes so we will have leftovers for Todd to take to work and for us to eat for lunch. I also will freeze leftovers to get another meal out of an evening’s offerings. I love to stock up my freezer in order to have things I can easily take out and serve if I’m in a pinch. These beans freeze very well, and it’s simple to take out, thaw, heat and serve over freshly steamed rice.
NOTE: By the way, I like using dry beans for this, but you can actually use canned, if you prefer not having to soak the beans overnight. If I ever forget to soak the beans overnight, however, I rinse the beans, and cover with about 2 inches of water in a saucepan. Then I bring the beans to a boil for 1 minute, remove from heat, cover and allow the beans to soak for one hour. After that, I rinse the beans and they are ready to go into the recipe, just as if I had soaked them overnight. Overnight soaking is still preferable, though.
Red Beans and Rice
Ingredients:
1 pound dry red beans (or 4 cans of red/kidney beans–see note below)
water
salt pork, ham hocks, or sausage, cut into small chunks (I like using the salt pork–I just cut off most of the fat)
2 tsp salt (you can cut this out or reduce if you like)
1 tsp pepper
3-4 cups water
6-oz can tomato paste
8-oz. can tomato sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions:
1. Soak beans for 8 hours (overnight) or use quick- soak method. Drain, discard soaking water.
2. Mix together all of the ingredients in slow cooker.
3. Cover. Cook on low 10-12 hours, or until beans are soft. Serve over rice.
Note: If using canned beans, cook 1 hour on high, then reduce heat to low, and cook for 3 more hours.
Hope you enjoy!