RED BEANS AND RICE - SLOW COOKER

Red Beans and Rice - Slow Cooker image

Provided by Francine Lizotte

Time 7h15m

Number Of Ingredients 25

RED BEANS
1 lb dried red beans, rinsed
1/2 lb andouille sausages, sliced
1/2 lb smoked ham, diced
1 c white onions, finely diced
1 c celery ribs, finely diced
1/2 c green peppers, finely diced
1/2 c red peppers, finely diced
3 large cloves garlic, pressed
1 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 Tbsp creole seasoning
1/2 Tbsp brown sugar, such as demerara
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (i always use mixed peppercorns), or more to taste
2 1/2 c low-sodium chicken broth
2 1/2 c low-sodium vegetable broth
2 large bay leaves
1/2 tsp ground himalayan sea salt, or to taste
RICE
2 1/2 c water
1 c long grain such as basmati, jasmine or american long-rice (washed and drained)
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp green onions (green parts only), sliced

Steps:

1. Place beans in a large bowl and cover with water; soak overnight. If you forget to do that, rinse beans well and discard any pebbles before placing them in a pot. Cover with cold water by 2-inches from the top and bring to a boil; cook for 5 minutes and let them sit for 1 hour before draining well.
2. In a bowl of a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients including drained beans except salt and green onions. Set the temperature on "High" and cook for 7 hours.
3. One hour before cooking time is over, press about 50% of beans mixture against the sides of the bowl to thicken the sauce with a wooden spoon or a potato masher. Before returning to cook for another hour, add salt and stir. After 7 hours if the consistency is not thick enough, continue cooking for another hour with the lid up.
4. About 30 minutes before beans are ready, in a medium pot add water and bring to a boil. Stir in rice and butter. Cover and reduce heat to low; cook for 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let it stand 5 minutes.
5. When time to serve, place cooked rice in the middle of a bowl, scoop bean mixture around it and sprinkle with green onions. If desired, add a few drops of hot sauce.
6. To view this recipe on YouTube, click on this link >>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiSR8lCzxl4