Rice and Beans

Well, it's Thursday.  I usually LOVE Thursdays.  But for some reason yesterday and today I just can't seem to get moving.  Spent yesterday doing some blog cooking, and that was literally it.  Today I spent the morning on my butt in front of the TV.  I did manage to dust and vacuum and sweep, but, it seems I should be accomplishing quite a bit more in a day.  Maybe it is the change in weather, since time changes never usually bother me in the least.  I have refrained from making coffee all day, knowing I will drink the entire pot and then make another.  I have a terrible coffee habit my friends, chefwannabe dark secret number 267.   

Anyway, yesterday I had this moment of thinking how there are lots of things I have never made, in all my years of cooking simply because I wouldn't like it.  Dirty secret, oh wait, never mind I think I have revealed my disdain for all beans except Green and Wax ones.  I still would like to cook with these ingredients I don't personally care for so, I decided since I was on a rice kick, it would be red beans with rice.  I have never even tried them, the thought makes me feel somewhere between food poisoning and the flu and I just can't get over the consistency of beans.  I put on my big girl panties, and went to work on what I thought would be the worst red beans and rice ever served.

Now, obviously I am not up on the specifics of this dish.  When you read my ingredients you might cringe, if that is the case, let it out......tell me I am off my freakin' rocker and should never be allowed to cook again.  If you look at my ingredients and say, "MY GOD, she is a genius", well then, I do take cash compliments.  Really I did serve this to my brother-in-law who is a huge fan of the red bean and rice situation.  He informed me *unless he was trying to be nice*  it was possibly the best he had ever eaten.  So you make it, and let me know how YOU like it.  Let's get going........

Wannabe's Red Beans and Rice
1 cup beef stock
1 1/4 cups of uncooked minute rice
1 can red kidney beans (undrained)
1/3 cup chopped bell pepper (i used a little red and little green and a little yellow)
1/3 cup onions chopped fine
1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning of your choice
1 tsp ground red pepper
2 tsp cumin
1 tbsp oil (your choice)

Once you measure out your beef stock, add Cajun seasoning, ground red pepper, cumin and mix thoroughly.  Set aside.

In a saucepan, cook onions, and peppers in oil.  Let cook on medium 2-3 minutes until tender.  Add raw rice and let it toast slightly, keeping a close eye on it so it doesn't burn.  When rice has toasted slightly, add beef stock and red beans WITH their liquid.  Mix well and let come up to a boil.  Stir well one more time, cover and remove from heat.  Let stand 10-15 minutes.  

Garnish with parsley or cilantro!


I hope you have a wonderful evening.  Make sure to share chefwannabe with your friends and family.  I mean it's only fair everyone gets to partake in the fun right?  Remember, I am also on Facebook and you can join us there, and see more comments and have more fun!!

Your "beans, beans the musical fruit..." chefwannabe

Chris

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