Red Beans and Rice

(Serves 6)

Ingredients:
1 pound red beans
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 celery stalk, chopped
Large pinch thyme
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Hambone
1 pound smoked sausage
Hot sauce, to taste
Hot cooked rice

Method of Preparation:

1. Place bean in a pot, cover with water and boil 2 minutes.  Let soak in covered pot at least one hour.  Drain. 
2. Return beans to pot and add onion, garlic, celery, herbs, and hambone.  Add enough water to cover.  Cook over medium heat, simmering, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
3. Cut sausage into slices.  Place in skillet with a 1/2-inch of water.  Cook until the water evaporates and sausage is brown. 
4. Smash some of the beans against the side of the pot until the mixture is creamy.  Add hot sauce to taste.  Add sausage with pan juices and serve over cooked rice.

Cooking with Class airs on NBC 10 and is hosted by Chef Frank Terranova, an associate instructor at Johnson and Wales University College of Culinary Arts. “Cajun Recipes,” aired during the week of Dec. 22, 2008.