Cajun-Style Red Beans and Rice

Description: This is a hearty Southern dish, easy to make and full of flavor and quite spicy! I sometimes add in cooked ground beef, you can add in some chopped cooked bacon or use spicy dryed smoked sausage to the beans for smokey flavor --- I also like to add in some Creole seasoning -- see my recipe#186029

Ingredients:

• 3 -4 tablespoons oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 -2 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 -2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 -2 tablespoon chili powder (or use chipotle chili powder or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (or to taste)
• 2 cups tomato sauce (can add in more)
• 1 (13 ounce) can stewed tomatoes (with juice)
• salt
• 1 -2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 -2 teaspoon louisianna hot sauce (add in only if you like extreme spicy!)
• 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed under cold water
• 5 -8 slices bacon, cooked and finely chopped (optional, or use dryed smoked sausage, sliced)
• 4 cups cooked rice

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add in onions, garlic green bell pepper and crushed chili flakes; saute until veggies are soft (about 8 minutes).
3. Sprinkle with chili powder and paprika, cook about 1 minute.
4. Add in tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes and hot sauce (if using) season with salt and add in sugar to taste if needed.
5. Add in beans, cooked ground beef and bacon if using; mix to combine and simmer for about 1 hour.
6. Serve mixed or over rice topped with a dollup of sour cream if desired.