Red Beans and Rice Gumbo

Red Beans & Rice Gumbo

Author: John Folse

Cookbook: The Encyclopedia of Cajun & Creole Cuisine, page 283

Prep Time: 1 Hour
Yields: 10-12 Servings

Comment:
In South Louisiana, we think of red beans as a "Monday" dish, and we always serve them over rice with a link of smoked sausage. This gumbo started out as a perfect way to make use of leftover red beans and rice, and since has become a fall delicacy.

Ingredients:
1 (16-ounce) can Blue Runner New Orleans Red Beans
1 (10-12-ounce) can red kidney beans in water
1 cup cooked long grain rice
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup bacon fat
½ cup flour
1 cup diced onions
1 cup diced celery
½ cup diced bell peppers
¼ cup minced garlic
1 quart chicken stock or water
1 pound diced sugar-cured ham
½ pound sliced smoked sausage
½ cup sliced green onions
½ cup chopped parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Method:
In a 7-quart cast iron pot, heat oil and bacon fat over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour, stirring constantly until dark brown roux is achieved. Stir in onions, celery and bell peppers. Sauté 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are wilted. Blend in garlic and sauté, stirring occasionally, for an additional 3 minutes. Add chicken stock, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Stir in ham and smoked sausage and cook 3-5 minutes. Blend Blue Runner beans into the stock. Bring to a rolling boil, reduce to simmer and cook 45 minutes. Use additional stock or water as necessary to maintain soup-like consistency. Stir in kidney beans, rice, green onions and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Return to a low boil and serve immediately.

Mike's note: Monday is traditionally Red Beans & Rice day. Back before long term refrigeration people had to use leftovers quickly before they spoiled. The small amount of leftover red beans from Monday was stretched into Red Bean Gumbo on Tuesday to have enough food to feed the family again. Chef Folse pays homage to that with this recipe. This recipe is pretty local to the River Parishes and originated in St. James. If you've never heard of Red Bean Gumbo, that's what groups like this are for- introducing new things and traditions to you from other people across our great state. Hope you try it!

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