Uptown Red Beans and Rice

Cajun spices, dried red beans, red velvet okra, celery, onions, peppers, garlic, tomatoes and kale with soaked brown rice and Louisiana hot sauce..

Red Beans and Rice

Red Beans and Rice

Soak dried red beans and brown rice (separately) overnight in cool filtered water.

Rinse, drain and cook beans in filtered water with bits of celery, onions, carrots, bay leaf and fresh thyme.

Rinse, drain and cook rice in filtered water with butter, sea salt, smoked black pepper and dried minced jalapeños (optional).

Heat clarified butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.  Add celery and onions and cook until slightly brown.

Add okra, peppers and kale and sauté 2 minutes.

Add tomatoes, garlic and beans.  Season with dried oregano, cayenne, caraway, dill, turmeric and marjoram.

Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes, stirring often.

Serve beans and vegetables over rice, dress with hot sauce if desired.


Notable New Orleans Uptowners have included jazz musicians Louis Armstrong, Buddy Bolden, Harry Connick, Jr., Louis Prima, George Brunies, Percy Humphrey, Joe “King” Oliver, Leon Roppolo, singers the Boswell Sisters and Mahalia Jackson, author Anne Rice, inventor A. Baldwin Wood, ethnobotanist Mark Plotkin, and professional football players Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Drew Brees and rappers B.G., Birdman and Lil’ Wayne.

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Arroz con Habichuelas y Nopalitos

Red Beans and Rice with Prickly Pear Cactus

Dried red beans and rice, hot sauce, dried herbs and spices with bell peppers, S&P, Mexican oregano, tomato, red onion, olive oil, garlic, jalapeno and a cactus paddle.

Prepare the rice and beans according to package directions or even better, make your own.

Meanwhile, prep the vegetables. 10 minutes before the rice is done, saute all but the cactus until tender, about 4 minutes.

Grill the cleaned cactus paddle for 2-3 minutes per side until fork-tender.  Take care not to overcook.

Fold all the vegetables into the bean and rice mixture and cook another 2 minutes to distribute flavors.

Serve topped with a squeeze of lime, queso bola and hot sauce.

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