Leah Chase's RED BEANS
(Dooky Chase's, New Orleans)
Serves 4-6
450g/1 lb dried red kidney beans
350g/12ozs onions, chopped
50g/2ozs bacon dripping or vegetable oil
225g/8ozs spicy sausage (such as chorizo), sliced
225g/8ozs smoked ham, cubed
110g/4ozs green pepper, chopped
1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
Soak the beans overnight in plenty of cold water. Drain and place in very large saucepan. Cover with fresh water and add the onions. Bring to the boil and continue to boil for about 1+1/4 hours or until the beans are tender. Heat the dripping or oil in a frying pan. Add the sausage and ham and saut� for about 10 minutes. Add the green pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly. Add the contents of the frying-pan to the beans. Stir well.
Add the thyme, garlic, parsley, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the beans are creamy, adding more water if the mixture is too thick.
Serve over rice.