Lula Mae's Louisiana red beans
This recipe is extra special because it is my boyfriend's grandma's dish, she is a fantastic cook originally from Louisiana; I was lucky enough to learn this recipe first hand after visiting her a few years ago while celebrating her 94th birthday!
I hope you guys enjoy it as much as we do.
Ingredients-
1 lb dry red beans
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 tbsp cajun seasoning
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp dried sage
6 cups chicken broth
Smoked sausage (I use the Hillshire brand, smoked turkey sausage)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tbsp parsley
Directions-
Start by soaking your beans in water overnight or 5-8 hours before cooking.
In a medium-sized skillet, cook your smoked sausage until browned, then set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large stockpot, add 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat sauté onion, bell pepper, garlic, and celery for about 5 min. Then, until fragrant, add seasoning, stir to combine.
Rinse beans and add to stockpot with chicken broth.
Add bay leaves and bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer for about 2- 3 hours.
Stir in smoked sausage and simmer for 20 minutes.
Serve warm over white rice with topped with a little parsley, pickle pepper, and honey cornbread!