Louisiana - The Pelican State, State flower: Southern Magnolia

1. Seafood Gumbo
2. Green Salad with Rmoulade Sauce
3. Oyster Pie
4. Red Beans and Rice
5. Leeks, Vinaigrette Hot
6. Creole Corn Bread
7. Sweet Potato - Pecan Pie

Red Beans and Rice - Serves 4

In Louisiana this combination is called simply "Red and White". It's considered a hearty workingman's meal and is often accompanied by sliced country ham, garlic bread and beer. Some time the "reds" are mashed with butter, the ham slices or salt pork placed on top with the rice on the side. This version, with a green salad, is considered a Louisiana favorite. It is also sometime referred to as "Dirty Rice".

¾ lb dried pinto beans (Or, if you prefer, red kidney beans)
½ lb salt pork or ham hock
1 Tbsp fat
1 Tbsp flour
1 large onion, chopped
1 carrot, scraped and sliced
3 pints stock or water with 6 bouillon cubes
3 sprigs parsley
1 bay leaf
Pinch powdered thyme
2 stalks and leaves celery
Salt and pepper to taste (Be careful of the salt if bouillon cubes are used.)
Cooked rice

Wash beans and soak overnight in cold water. Brown the meat in fat. Remove meat and stir flour into fat in the pan, brown lightly and add onion; cook 3 minutes. Add beans, carrot and meat. Cover well with stock and cook slowly for 1 hour. Then, add herbs, celery, salt and pepper. Cook until the gravy is thick and dark. Serve hot over hot rice.

Click on State name...it will take you to its menu and recipes.