Monday, December 5, 2011

Red Beans And Rice With Smoked Sausage


Bay leaf (plural bay leaves) refers to the aromatic leaf of the bay laurel (Laurus nobilis, Lauraceae). Fresh or dried bay leaves are used in cooking for their distinctive flavor and fragrance. The leaves are often used to flavor soups, stews, braises and pates in Mediterranean cuisine. The fresh leaves are very mild and do not develop their full flavor until several weeks after picking and drying. 


The bay laurel tree has been cultivated since the beginning of recorded history; it originated in Asia Minor, and spread to the Mediterranean and other countries with suitable climates. Bay leaf is not grown in northern regions, as the plants do not thrive in cold climates. Turkey is one of the main exporters of bay leaves, although they are also grown in areas of Albania, France, Belgium, Italy, Russia, Colombia, Central America, North America, and India. The laurel tree from which the bay leaf comes was very important both symbolically and literally in both Greece and Rome. The laurel can be found as a central component found in many ancient mythologies that glorify the tree as a symbol of honor. Bay leaves are one of the most widely used culinary herbs in Europe and North America. In the Elizabethan era, some people believed pinning bay leaves to one's pillow on the eve of Saint Valentine's Day would permit one to see one's future spouse in a dream.
By http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_leaf

Red Beans And Rice With Smoked Sausage
Copyright 2011 Christine's Pantry. All rights reserved.

Ingredients:
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced, then cut each slice in half
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 (15.5 oz) can red beans, rinse and drained
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 bay leaf
1 heaping tablespoon garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup cooked rice

Directions:
In large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook about 5 to 7 minutes. Add onions and peppers. Stirring and cook until tender. Stir in thyme and garlic, cook about 1 minute. Add beans, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, bay leaf, parsley and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, until liquid has reduces. Remove bay leaf and discard bay leaf. Serve over cooked rice. Enjoy!

You may also like these recipes:

Help spread the word about Christine's Pantry. Share this post. There's additional share buttons on the sidebar.

 

23 comments:

  1. Looks like it is time to retire that box mix and make it from scratch. Inspiring and delicious post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This looks sooooo good! It looks so hearty, and perfect for a cold day. I love red beans and rice:-) Hugs, Terra

    ReplyDelete
  3. I didn't know any of that about the bay leaves!! Red Beans and Rice is my husband's most requested dish, and I have to admit I've not made if for him recently. Our recipes are similar, but I think I'm going to pop your version together for him this week! He will be a happy guy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. That's true Christine, bay leaves is very aromatic. we often use in Indian cooking. Red beans are my favorite with rice.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This looks delicious! All the ingredients compliment each other so well, the red beans and rice, the garlic and smoked sausage! Great recipe :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great looking dish with sausages and rice, very hearty and delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  7. We love beans and rice - yours looks interesting with the addition of the bay leaf. I will try it your way next time. I always enjoy your blog- keep up the nice work!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Christine I make mine almost the same way...such a good dinner for this time of year.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you SO much for all your comments.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Christine, this sounds so delicious. I love red beans and rice and the smoked sausage makes this sound perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  11. what an interesting combination - red beans and rice, never thought of cooking both together.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I've said it again and again, I love the sausage!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I too use bay leaf quite often and thats a great outcome you have made with the same leaf.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I use bay leaf a lot too. This dish looks so delicious and comforting. Perfect for winter!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Red beans and rice sounds interesting, and I've never heard of it, but who's to say no, right? I bet it tasted scrumptious:D

    ReplyDelete
  16. It's funny - every recipe I have says to remove the bay leaf. However, the tradition in my family is if you get it (don't eat it) it's good luck! So....I leave mine in!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have not had red beans and rice in forever, thanks for inspiring me to make it soon!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I also always leave my bay leaf in my dishes. It is always my hubby who gets it :) Red beans and rice are one of my winter comfort foods. You are reminding me to go make some. Love this recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Mmmmm...we love eating smoked sausage this way! Delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Red beans and rice is a staple dish in our household, but your recipe differs from mine. Next time I'll mix it up and try yours!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love hearing from you all. Just love it.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Yippee!! This reminds me of meals I had growing up. Sometimes my mom would use pinto beans instead of red beans. Bay leaves are always in my cupboard. To me they're a big part of Creole cooking. Love this post!

    ReplyDelete
  23. That's true Christine, bay leaves is very aromatic. we often use in Indian cooking. Red beans are my favorite with rice.

    ReplyDelete

Why not leave a comment or a suggestion? Be the first to leave a comment.

Printfriendly

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...