Happy Mardi Gras, ya’ll! Before I get to my recipe, I have to announce the winner of the Baby Brezza Giveaway. Congrats to #2 Erin @ Wholesome RD! You’re going to love it…I’ll be mailing the machine out this week. Thanks to everyone who participated.
Today was filled with parades, beads, and fun! Because it was such a long day, I decided to throw some red beans into the crockpot this morning. There was no way I’d be cooking tonight. I wanted to share the recipe in honor of Mardi Gras since red beans and rice are such a staple here in New Orleans.
Traditionally, this dish is served on Mondays. Women would put their pot of red beans on the stove and cook all day on Monday while they did the laundry. It was easy for them because it required little hands on attention. At most restaurants/hospitals/hotels/etc. you’ll still see red beans served on Mondays.
I used to be intimidated by dry beans. I was unsure about soaking them and scared of making them too soupy. With them in the crockpot, however, they don’t really need soaking. I love to cook with them because they’re so affordable, healthy, and freeze well for leftovers. They’re also very healthy on their own-packed with fiber, protein, folate, and iron. They’re great for children…even for infants around 8 months old can enjoy mashed beans.
This particular recipe was tweaked slightly from my stepmom’s recipe. It’s so easy!
Ingredients
1 lb dry red beans
~2 cups reduced sodium/fat free chicken broth
2 cups water
1 Tbsp minced garlic
¼ cup Salsa Casera*
½ chopped onion
2 bay leaves
1 package Turkey Tasso**
~6 oz smoked lite turkey sausage
*Rotel can also substitute
**I really enjoy using this. If you can’t find it, you can also use the entire package of sausage.
First, be sure to rinse beans. You always want to be sure to do this since beans are a natural product. I’ve found a stone in a package before. This time, I found a little ball of dirt.
Add all ingredients except the sausage to the crockpot. Cook on low for 8 hours. You can add more water as it cooks if you prefer more wet beans. You can also mash the beans a bit with a large spoon if you prefer them a bit thicker. In the last hour of cooking, add the sausage.
Serve over rice.
Enjoy! Told you it was easy 
Hope everyone had a great Tuesday and all my fellow New Orleanians and Louisianians had a happy and safe Mardi Gras! Thanks for reading
Have you ever been to Mardi Gras?
