Origin: New Orleans, Louisiana
Date: unknown
Influences: West African Slaves.
Although the bean plant did originate in America, red beans are actually native to West Africa. It was introduced to America when slaves in the Caribbean were forced by the Spanish to move to Louisiana.
During the slave rebellion in Haiti, many of the sugar plantation owners fled to Louisiana and brought with them their salves and the red beans. It is claimed this dish was created in New Orleans' French Quarter, and quickly gained popularity as a of New Orleans.
Traditionally, it was made on Mondays when women could wash the laundry while the pot simmered, leaving them to tend to their work.
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| Photo: Jessica Wood |
Gluten Free Louisiana Style Red Beans n' Rice
Ingredients
1 lb dry red beans
3 quarts water
1 cup yellow onions, chopped
1 cup celery, finely chopped
4 bay leaves
1 cup green pepper, chopped
4 tbsp garlic, chopped
3 tbsp parsley, chopped
2 tsp dried thyme, crushed
1 lb Spicy sausage - cut into 1/4 inch pieces (can be replaced with turkey)
1 ham bone and small chunks of ham (can be replaced with turkey necks)
1 tbsp sea salt
1 tbsp black pepper
Frank’s Red Hot Sweet Chili Sauce- (certified gluten free)
* Always check label to make sure the sausage does not have any wheat products
Preparation
In a strainer, rinse red beans under running water, carefully removing the bad beans.
In a 10-quart pot add beans, water, ham bone, ham, sausage, onions, celery, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil...reduce heat.
Cover and cook over low heat, for 11/2 hours or until beans are tender.
Stir and mash beans against the side of pot.
Add green pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Cook uncovered, over low heat until creamy, for 30 minutes.
Remove bay leaves.
Serve over hot cooked fluffy rice.
Add chili sauce to taste
The red beans used in Louisiana are not the same as kidney beans, but if you can't get any thing else the kidney beans will work.
Makes 8 servings
