“Ma’s Red Beans” prepared by Jon Batiste

Jon is such a good soul. We talked about his musical roots, how he overcame his shyness , how he navigated tough times this year when his wife was battling illness and how food, family and quest for freedom in its’ fundamental sense is what has guided him though it all.

Prep (TBD minutes)

cook time (TBD minutes)

Serving Size (TBD)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil  

  -1/2 cup chopped onions  

  -1/2 cup chopped celery  

  -1/2 cup chopped bell peppers  

  -3 tablespoons chopped garlic  

  -¼ cup parsley  

  -2 bay leafs  

  -Creole seasoning or salt and black pepper to taste  

  -smoke turkey sausage  

  -smoked andouille chicken sausage  

  -1 pound dried red beans, rinsed, soaked and drained  

  -1 cup vegetable broth (low sodium)  

  -1 cup bone broth (low sodium)  

  -5 cups of water  

Step 1

Rinse red beans and drain OR rinse and soak beans in water for a several hours and drain

Step 2

In a large saucepan, add all ingredients except meats and bay leaf, stir and bring to a boil.

Step 3

After reaching the boiling point, reduce heat to simmer and cover, stir occasionally.

Step 4

After beans have cooked for about 2 ½ hours use a spoon to mash about two tablespoons of the beans, add meats, bay leaf and stir.

Step 5

Cook an additional 2 hours covered or until the beans are tender and creamy, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Add more water if the consistency is too thick

Step 7

When the beans are done remove the bay leafs.

Step 8

Serve over rice.

Michele’s Kitchen Notes

Jon told us that his family’s recipe for Red Beans & Rice evolved over time with the family’s collective health journey. That’s a reminder that recipe’s are a template instead of a bible and in some cases should change over time to reflect the contours of our lives.

If you are in a hurry you might think about skipping step 1, but I don’t suggest it. Take the time to soak your beans.

It can shorted the cooking time and it breaks down the fibers, starch, and complex sugars. That makes them easier to digest and your family will appreciate that.