Mardi Gras means Red Beans and Rice to Me

Usually we go to a Cajun restaurant to celebrate Mardi Gras, and I usually order Red Beans and Rice.  Since we could not go out this year, I decided to learn how to make it myself.

I found a couple of recipes, and then I didn't really follow them.

Here is what I did, and it was good.  Kevin and Connor both thought it was on the spicy side, which is what I always think when I get it, so that's a good thing in this case.  It is supposed to be spicy.

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 yellow onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

1 package andouille sausage, sliced

2 cans red beans, drained

2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 cups water

2 tsp salt

1 tsp parsley

2 cups cooked rice

1 green onion, sliced

Directions:

Saute the sausage in the olive oil and remove from pan.  Saute the onion, garlic, and green peppers.  Add the seasonings, beans and water.  Bring to a boil, and mash the beans.  Add the sausage back into the pan, and cook until thickened.  Season with salt and parsley.  Serve with a scoop of rice on top, with a sprinkle of green onion.

YUM!