Red Beans and Rice

 

Anything beans and rice is ok with me!

I'm not sure about the tomatoes, but I will trust Lana and at least try it.

Check out her blog . . . click here

Ingredients

• ▢1 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢1 onion (1 medium or 1/2 a large)
• ▢3 cloves garlic
• ▢1 green bell pepper (1 medium or 1/2 a large)
• ▢3 ribs celery
• ▢1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 3/4 teaspoon dried)
• ▢2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• ▢32 ounces canned light red kidney beans drained (2 cans)
• ▢29 ounces canned diced tomatoes in juice (2 cans)
• ▢14 ounces turkey kielbasa sliced
• ▢1 bay leaf
• ▢2 cups water
• ▢1 cup rice
• ▢salt and pepper to taste
• ▢Tabasco optional, to finish
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Instructions

• In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat.
• Add the chopped veggies and saute until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the thyme, parsley, salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the beans, tomatoes with their juice, kielbasa, and bay leaf.
• Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover and let it simmer while you prepare the rice.
• 
  

For the rice:

• Bring the water to a boil, add salt (about 1/2 tsp) and rice.
• Stir well, reduce heat to low and cover.
• Cook approximately 20-22 minutes until all water is absorbed.
• Remove the pan from heat and fluff the rice with a fork.
• 
  

To serve:

• Spoon 1/2 to 1 cup rice into each individual bowl.
• Spoon the red bean mixture over the rice.
• Add a few splashes of Tabasco if desired.