Red Beans

One of my family's favorites!

Ingredients:

• 1-2 pounds dried red kidney beans
• 1 ham bone, smoked turkey, or your preference.
• water (enough to cover your ham bone)
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 dried Guajillo pepper
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1-½ teaspoons of smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon granulated garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon granulated onion powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1-½ teaspoons ground cumin (use roasted cumin if available)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon of ground oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 14-oz. can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic & oregano
• 1 14-oz. can tomatoes with chili seasonings
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth (optional)
• Cooked rice (white or brown)

Directions:

1. Add your ham bone or other meat option to a large saucepan (at least 4 qts.) of water. Simmer over a low heat while the red beans are soaking
2. Sort through your beans to remove any rocks or other objects
3. Wash beans thoroughly
4. Add beans to a bowl of cold water. Make sure that you add enough water to cover the beans; plus about 4 or more inches of water, as beans will swell during the soaking process. I generally soak my beans for about an hour or two; others prefer to soak them overnight or the quick method.
5. After the beans have soaked for at least an hour, add them to your saucepan with the ham bone and water
6. Add the remaining ingredients
7. Cover and cook over medium-low temperature for 1-½ to 2 hours. Beans are ready when soft and tender
8. Serve over rice

Twist:  

Smoked ham bone or smoked turkey parts

Diced canned tomatoes seasoned for chili

Diced canned tomatoes with basil, garlic & oregano

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