CREAM-STYLE RED BEANS AND RICE

Cream-Style Red Beans and Rice image

Provided by RecipeNut

Time 2h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 cups water
1/2 lb smoked ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 bay leaves
12 ounces dried red beans, soaked in water overnight and drained
1/2 lb fully cooked smoked andouille sausages or 1/2 lb other smoked sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 tablespoons tomato paste
hot cooked rice

Steps:

Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic; cook and stir 2 minutes. Stir in water, ham, salt, thyme, oregano, black pepper, ground red pepper and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover; simmer 1 hour.
Add beans to ham mixture; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low. Cover; simmer 1 hour or until beans are tender.
Carefully ladle 1 cup bean mixture into food processor or blender container. Cover; process until mixture is smooth. Returnpureed mixture to Dutch oven; stir in sausage and tomato paste.
Cook, uncovered, over medium heat 10 minutes or until thickened and bubbly, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaves; discard. Serve in bowls over hot cooked rice.