If you are not sure who Leah Chase is, google her. The Queen of Creole Cooking is still going strong at 95 years young. This week, I will share two of her classic dishes.
1 pound Red Kidney Beans
2 quarts, plus 1 cup Water
1 large Onion, chopped
1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
1 pound smoked Ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 pound Smoked Sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 cup Water
1 tablespoon Garlic, chopped
1 Bay Leaf
1 tablespoon Black Pepper
2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried Thyme
2tablespoons Salt
Pick thru the beans, removing all unwanted particles. Wash beans and place beans in a 5-quart Dutch oven with 2 quarts & 1 cup of water. Set the Dutch oven over high heat. Add onions and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low nd let beans boil slowly for 1 hour. When the beans are soft, stir well, mashing some against the side of the pot.
Heat the oil in frying pan set over medium-high heat. Add the ham and sausage and sauté for 5 minutes or until the fat starts to render.
Add the sausage, ham and oil to beans. Deglaze the pan with the remaining cut of water, then pour the liquid into the beans. Add the garlic, bay leaf, pepper, parsley, thyme and salt. Let simmer for 30 minutes.Beans should be nice and creamy.
Enjoy!!!
Good Cooking, Good Eating and Good Living!!!
