Simple Red Beans and Rice

I must address the most obvious and important. Today was Ninja's surgery. When dropping him off, Ninja began crying and did not want to leave with the vet tech. Well- with Ninja crying, so did his mommy! I began balling in the vet office- only for the vet tech's to try to assure me that Ninja will be fine. I was so not fine. I came home and spent the day extremely anxious. When I am stressed I do three things: sleep, whip something up in the kitchen (it used to be baking but lately I've been having fun cooking), and cleaning. Let's just say the hubby does not mind when I am stressed at all ;) He loves coming home to a clean house with yummy food to eat.

The vet called me to let me know Ninja's surgery went well. I convinced the vet to please let me take Ninja home today even though usually they stay overnight. I wanted to make sure Ninja- drugged up and in a lot of pain- had someone 24 hours and all through the night to make sure he was doing good and got everything he needed. The vet said yes! So now my baby is at home with me :) But I have a strict regiment to follow: cold packing 3 times a day, 3 different medicines 2-3 times a day (depending on the medicine) and physical therapy 3 times a day. And you better believe Ninja will be getting everything he needs, just as the vet recommended.

Something about me that I may have not shared, and which might not guess with a person who food blogs- is that I HATE grocery shopping. I will wait till my cupboards and fridge is bare before meal planning and grocery shopping. Though, since living with the hubby, I quickly learned that large amounts of food will disappear much more quickly and I seem to be going shopping way more often ;) Well this weekend was that time, where I just needed to bite the bullet and go shopping. Knowing that I would be spending the next four weeks, constantly being with Ninja- I did some major STOCKING up of ingredients.

What did I make first while I anxiously awaited the post-surgery phone call from Ninja's vet? I decided to make Red Beans and Rice. First I must say, I married a man from Louisiana and trust me, I have had homemade, full of love and time Red Beans and Rice- the type the takes HOURS to make (and, man, do I love it!). I am not saying I made that- I made easy, "Hi, My name is Chika and I am a busy graduate student but would like to provide my hubby with homemade meals"- Red Beans and Rice :) This is super simple to make and requires very little time and ingredients! And you know what?! The hubby liked it! So I guess, it cannot be that bad- I liked it a lot too!

SIMPLE RED BEANS AND RICE

Adapted from Martha Stewart 

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 c. diced white onion

1/2 medium green bell pepper, diced

2 tbsp. minced garlic 

3 tbsp. Cajun Seasoning (Tony Chachere)* 

5 c. chicken broth 

2 cans of red beans, drained

1 package (14oz) sausage, cut into medallions*

Pinch of salt

2 c. of rice, cooked

2 green onions diced 

*This is a good seasoning just to have. I buy the Costco size I use it so much. 

*(Andouille sausage is preferred but I use Hillshire Turkey Sausage because it is more cost effective)

DIRECTIONS

In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper- saute until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Add garlic and saute until golden brown (1 minute), followed by Cajun seasoning until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broth, beans, and sausage- bring to boil. Reduce the heat to medium and add salt. Simmer, on medium heat, for about 20 minutes- allow the broth to cool as it will thicken. In a bowl, place a scoop of rice at the bottom- top with Red Beans and Rice. Garnish with diced, green onions. 

Enjoy,

Chika