Having spent months at a time in New Orleans on several occasions (my parents lived there off and on for 10 years), I have a real appreciation for Red Beans and Rice. Personally, I really like the ones served at Popeye's Fried Chicken. The rest of my family isn't quite as impressed with that recipe, but those of you who don't live in the South don't even have access to those. And where, if we don't live in Louisiana or at least somewhere in the South, are we going to find pickled pork? Sure, one of the great Cajun chefs - Emeril, Paul Prudhomme, Tony Cachere, etc... - will have a method on the internet for pickling pork. But really - do you have time for all that? I don't. So here's a recipe I've put together from two sources: 1) a New Orleans resident's shortcut recipe, and 2) necessity.
DINE-IN EASY RED BEANS - made with ingredients available anywhere
1 lg onion, finely chopped
1 pkg kielbasa
2 cans kidney beans
1/2 can water, maybe more
1 splash red wine vinegar
1/2 stick (1/4c) butter
S and P to taste
Drain beans. Saute onion in med-lg pot in a little olive oil or some of the butter. When tender, add sliced or chopped sausage. Saute until onions are translucent. Add beans, vinegar and water. Simmer uncovered for 1hr or longer. Watch water content - you may need to add a little more water to prevent scorching. Give it a taste test to see if it needs another little splash of vinegar, and adjust seasonings. When the beans are nice and thick and you're ready to eat, add butter and stir to melt. Serve over rice, with Frank's Red Hot Sauce or green Tabasco.
Sounds to me like you need to come up with a kopy kat recipe for the ones served at Popeye's. ;)
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