Classic Red Beans & Rice

Slow-simmered with chicken stock, herbs and spices, these luscious red beans get an extra-flavorful kick from Andouille sausage.

Ingredients:
1 pound dried Rojo Chiquito beans
¼ cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into ½-inch pieces
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
½ cup celery ribs, cut into ¼-inch cubes
4 cups chicken stock, plus 2 cups water
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped parsley
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if desired)
1 teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon dried sage
1 bay leaf
1 pound Skagit River Ranch Andouille sausage, sautéed and sliced

4 cups water
2 cups long-grain jasmine rice
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:
1. Rinse and sort beans, and then soak in a large pot of water overnight.

2. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, pepper, garlic, and celery in olive oil for 3-4 minutes. Rinse soaked beans, then transfer to a large pot with 4 cups chicken stock, plus 2 cups water. Stir sautéed vegetables into beans. Season with cayenne pepper (if using), paprika, thyme, sage, bay leaf and parsley. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer gently for 2½ hours until beans are just tender.

3. Stir sausage into beans, and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, prepare the rice. In a saucepan, bring the 4 cups of water and rice to a boil. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Serve beans and sausage over the prepared rice.