"red beans" news and stories

To the beanpole dames in the magazines: You ain't it, Miss Thing!
Give me a sister, I can't resist her.
Red beans and rice didn't miss her!

The extent of my experience with red beans and rice is relegated to the world of Sir Mix-A-Lot and "Baby Got Back." (And Jonathan Coulton, although Richard Cheese, sadly neglects the red beans and rice part of the tune. Anyhow...) No in-person glimpses. No savory smells. No taste.

But I really think that needs to change, especially after seeing Simply Recipes' new post on Red Beans and Rice. I admit it -- I'm writing this post because Elise's post sent me into a flurry of Mix-A-Lot nostalgia, but I'm also salivating. I've never been so attracted to a plate of beans before. I might just have to brave the below-zero weather and get me some ham shanks tomorrow. And maybe some bigger underwear if this leads me to Sir Mix-A-Lot land.

Are there any red beans and rice recipes you go nuts for?

This morning I am making red beans and dirty rice in honor of Mardi Gras.  Using this delicious-sounding recipe for the red beans and have just finished sauteing the "trinity" to add to the partially-cooked beans, along with my smoked ham hock and Andouille sausage. I found it interesting to read that red beans and rice is traditionally served on Mondays.  My making it today is purely coincidental.

For the rice, I am going to serve dirty rice.  I've been Googling recipes all morning and I haven't decided which recipe to choose. If you have a tried and true recipe, please let me know. Although I love traditional dirty rice made with chopped giblets, I am going to use ground beef since it's what I have on hand. I'll serve it with lots of chopped green onions to garnish and hot sauce on the side.  There's nothing like a simple meal of beans and rice on a stormy, San Francisco Monday.

And, tomorrow, for Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday itself, perhaps I'll make a batch of yeasted pancakes.

[image: Phyllis Knight Gallery]