Introduction: If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful Southern dish that will warm your soul, look no further than Creamy Red Beans and Jacked-up Rice. This delicious recipe combines the rich flavors of smoked pork sausage, tender hog jowls, and perfectly seasoned red beans, served alongside a delectable jacked-up rice. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply want to indulge in some comfort food, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!
Creamy Red Beans Recipe: Ingredients:
- 1 lb. smoked pork sausage (e.g., MaBell’s), sliced
- 1 to 1.5 lbs. smoked hog jowls, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 to 3 stalks of celery, chopped
- Chopped parsley
- 1 1/2 bags of frozen seasoning blend (onions, bell peppers, celery)
- 8 bay leaves
- Minced garlic
- Salt, pepper, granulated onion, granulated garlic, Spanish paprika, Cayenne pepper, and Season-All (to taste)
- 7 to 8 cups of combined water and chicken broth
- 2 cups of red beans, pureed after simmering for about an hour
- 6 tablespoons of dry roux (see instructions below)
- Vegetable oil
- Kitchen Bouquet (optional, for color and flavor)
Instructions:
- In a large Dutch oven, brown the sliced smoked pork sausage and chopped hog jowls over medium heat. Once cooked, remove them from the pot and set them aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the frozen seasoning blend, chopped onion, celery, and parsley until translucent. Add minced garlic and continue sautéing for a minute or two.
- Stir in a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil and the dry roux. Keep stirring constantly until the roux becomes creamy and reaches a rich chocolate color.
- Add 4 cups of hot chicken broth to the pot and stir well. Mix in the soaked, drained, and rinsed dry Camellia red beans.
- Pour in an additional 3 to 4 cups of hot broth or water and add one tablespoon of your favorite seasoning blend. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer. Allow it to cook for about an hour.
- After an hour, take out two cups of the cooked beans and some of the cooking liquid and puree them in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add this puree back into the pot to thicken the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. If desired, add more dry roux and a dash of Kitchen Bouquet for additional thickness and a darker color.
- Let the beans simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Jacked-up Rice Recipe: Ingredients:
- Half a bag of frozen seasoning blend (onions, bell peppers, celery)
- Minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 5 cups of chicken broth
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups of rice
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/2 tablespoon of your favorite seasoning blend
- 1/2 stick of butter, melted
- 9×13 inch baking pan
Instructions:
- In a separate pan, sauté half a bag of the frozen seasoning blend and minced garlic in 2 tablespoons of butter until the vegetables become translucent.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a 9×13 inch baking pan, combine the sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, rice, dried parsley, seasoning blend, and melted butter.
- Bake the rice mixture in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the broth and is tender.
Serving: Serve the Creamy Red Beans alongside the flavorful Jacked-up Rice, and watch as your guests indulge in this mouthwatering Southern feast. The creamy texture of the beans complements the perfectly cooked rice, creating a delightful and satisfying combination.