CLASSIC RED BEANS N RICE

Classic Red Beans N Rice image

After 25 years in a place where Cajun cooking is common, we've come to rely on this staple menu item. If you've never tried red beans and rice before, I promise you'll like this recipe.-Jackie Turnage, New Iberia, Louisiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 2h35m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 pound dried kidney beans
8 cups water
1 ham hock
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
Hot cooked rice
Chopped fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

Sort beans and rinse with cold water. Place beans in a Dutch oven; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand until beans are softened, 1-4 hours., Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid. Return to Dutch oven. Add the water, ham hock, bay leaves and onion powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour., In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, cook the beef, onion, salt and pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Add to bean mixture. Simmer, uncovered, 1 hour. Discard bay leaves., Remove ham hock; allow to cool. Remove meat from bone; discard bone. Cut meat into bite-sized pieces and return to broth. Heat through. Serve with rice and, if desired, top with chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 309 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 346mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 25g protein.