Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Cold Comfort

Well, I didn't bite anyone or drop any f-bombs today.  And, despite the asshattery of yesterday, wasn't frisked for odd change.  But, I did have impressively scary bits of gauze taped up and down my arms upon leaving.  Nothing like props for that wave of sympathy, eh?

I felt lousy afterwards.  So, I was extra glad I'd put some red beans on to soak before leaving this morning.  Nothing warms your home or soul like a steaming plate of red beans and rice.  And, they are insanely easy.

First, you must buy these:

Sort through them the night before, discarding any beans that are broken, dirty, or groddy looking.  Pop them in a container, and in the morning, add enough water to cover the beans by about an inch.  When you get home from work, or from terrorizing the countryside, throw the beans and what water is left in a large pot.  Add enough water to cover the beans.  Crank up the heat to a boil, drop the heat, and let simmer, covered, for about an hour.

In the mean time, chop up a rib or two of celery, an onion, a couple garlic cloves, and about 1/4 - 1/2 a bell pepper.  Throw some side meat or bacon into a frying pan and brown and remove.  Then, put the veggies in the rendered fat and salt and pepper them.  I also like to add a generous amount of Tony Chacere's Creole seasoning.  When the veggies are soft, add them and the side meat into the beans and stir.  Cover, and let simmer another hour or two.  Taste after two hours total cooking time to see if they are tender or need more seasoning.

Serve with rice.  If you really plan ahead, get some smoked sausage and put a little char on it, and serve it along side.

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