My Red Beans & Rice recipe...my Cajun roots came out this morning :)

RED BEANS & RICE WITH TURKEY SMOKED SAUSAGE

1 (16-ounce) bag dry light or dark red kidney beans

1 (16-ounce) package smoked turkey or beef sausage, sliced or quartered (I use Hillshire Farms)

1 tablespoon olive oil plus 1 tablespoon butter

1 onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (taste and add more if needed)

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (add more if needed)

Water

Hot cooked rice

Pour red beans into a large pot and cover with water.  Place the lid on the pot and let them soak on the counter overnight or at least 8 hours.  Pour the soaked beans out into a colander and rinse and drain well, picking any bad beans out.  Set to the side.  In the large pot, heat olive oil and butter and add sausage.  Sauté over medium heat or until sausage is browned.  Watch closely J  Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.  Sauté the veggies until they are very brown and soft.  Next, add the sausage and beans to the veggie mix.  Add enough water just to cover the beans-about 3 to 4 cups.  Add all seasonings and bring to a boil.  Once it comes to a boil, turn the heat to very low or simmer mode and cover.  Cook for 1 ½ hours or until beans are soft.  It’s very important that you taste this as you make it so you can add more seasonings if you desire J  The Friday Fam likes it spicy!  If you prefer a thicker sauce, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to ½ cup cold water.  Stir well and stir into the bean mixture.  Serve over hot rice and a slice of cornbread.  Pepper sauce sprinkled over the beans and rice is oh, so delicious, too!