The Murder of Red Beans and Rice

Before I am mauled by New Orleans natives, please hear me out. Mr. Bart and I LOVE RB&R, however, it takes forever and can get a little pricey. By no means is this a valid substitute for the real thing. It's just a new take on the basic ingredients.

I like to buy the ingredients, chop them up and freeze them. I can get enough stuff from one trip to make 4 meals.


1/4 med onion - diced
1 med carrot - diced
1/4 green bell pepper - diced
2 celery stalks - sliced
1 link andouille sausage - sliced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup instant rice
1 can seasoned kidney beans - drained and rinsed
1TB EVOO

Spices:

1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper (more or less to taste)
1/8tsp Black Pepper
1/8tsp Paprika
1/8tsp Nutmeg
1/4tsp Salt
1/4tsp Oregano
1/4tsp Thyme
1/4tsp Celery Seed
1 tsp Cumin

These are spices I happen to have and like. A number of substitutions could be made depending on what you have and prefer.

Cook 1 cup instant rice in 1 cup chicken broth according to package instructions.
Heat skillet to med-high (6) with EVOO.
Add carrot, onion, bell pepper and celery.
Add spices and cook until lightly browned.
Mix vegetables and beans with rice.
Add a touch more EVOO to pan and add sausage. Cook until crispy.
Scoop up rice and top with sausage.