Red Beans And Rice

Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 1 lb dried red beans
• 1/2 lb cubed ham
• 2 onions, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 5 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 ripe black plantain, diced (platanos)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups rice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon oil

Recipe

• 1 week/night before preparation: platanos are usually sold green. be sure to buy them the week before to ensure they have ample time to turn black and sweeten (http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/plantain.htm). soak the beans over night in water in the refrigerator.
• 2 drain the beans after soaking over night. put the drained beans in a large pot. add the onions, bell pepers, celery, bouillon, garlic, platain, thyme and 3 & 1/2 cups of water. bring to a boil. cover and reduce to low heat. cook for 1 & 1/2 hours on low heat. stir occasionally.
• 3 add ham to the beans and continue to cook covered on low heat for 30 minutes more.
• 4 in separate pot cook the rice. combine 3 cups of water, 2 cups of rice, 1/4 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of oil. bring to a boil. cover and reduce to low heat cooking for 15 minutes.
• 5 serve a generous portion of beans over a bed of rice and enjoy!