Authentic Cajun Red Beans and Rice (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - Dried red kidney beans (1 pound).
02 - Thick-cut bacon, diced (1/2 pound).
03 - Andouille sausage, sliced (1 pound).
04 - Yellow onions, diced (1 1/2 cups).
05 - Celery stalks, diced (1 cup).
06 - Green bell pepper, diced (1 cup).
07 - Fresh garlic, minced (4 cloves).
08 - Chicken stock (10 cups).
09 - Smoked ham, diced (1/4-1/2 pound).
10 - Dried oregano (2 teaspoons).
11 - Dried thyme (1 teaspoon).
12 - Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon).
13 - Green onions, sliced (1/2 cup).
14 - Fresh parsley, chopped (1/4 cup).
15 - Bay leaves (3).
16 - Cajun seasoning to taste.
17 - Long grain white rice for serving.

# Instructions:

01 - Sort beans to remove stones. Soak in cold water overnight or up to 24 hours.
02 - Fry diced bacon until crispy in large pot. Remove and save the grease.
03 - Cook sliced andouille in bacon grease until browned. Set aside.
04 - Saute onions, celery and peppers in same pot until soft. Add garlic at end.
05 - Return meats to pot. Add beans, stock, seasonings and herbs. Simmer 2 hours.
06 - Mash some beans against pot side for creamier texture.
07 - Add remaining herbs, adjust seasoning. Serve hot over rice.

# Notes:

01 - Can use ham hock instead of diced ham.
02 - Don't add salt until end of cooking.
03 - Gets better with time, good for make-ahead.
04 - Freezes well up to 6 months.

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