Red Beans and Rice

Did you know that red beans are the best antioxidant source of any food? (Here's some information about antioxidants and why they're good for you.) Red beans with rice also falls into my definition of great comfort food, perfect for the wintery weather that we've been having lately. I fixed a variation of this recipe over the past cold, wet weekend and it warmed us up nicely - and tasted great, too! (I didn't have access to a smoked turkey wing, so I used more traditional smoked sausage. I suppose it wasn't as healthy that way, but it still tasted good - and I used brown rice to help make up the difference.)

Red Beans & Smoked Turkey

1 lb (500g) dried red beans
1/2 cup (120mL) chopped celery
1 cup (120mL) chopped onion
1 Tbsp. (15mL) Mrs. Dash® Extra Spicy Seasoning Blend
1 Tbsp. (15mL) Mrs. Dash® Mesquite Grilling Blend™
1 Qt. (1L) cold water
1 lb (500g) smoked turkey wing (1 medium wing) or drumstick
3 cups (750mL) rice

Sort and wash beans. Place beans in 4 Qt. (3L) Dutch oven; cover with water 2 inches above beans. Soak for 30 minutes or overnight. Drain.

Add celery, onion, Mrs. Dash® Seasoning Blends, turkey wing and water to a 4 Qt. (3L) Dutch oven. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat; cover, cook over low heat 2 to 3 hours or until beans and turkey are tender. Remove turkey wing; cut meat from bone; mix meat into beans.

Cook rice. Toss rice with 1 Tbsp. (15mL) Mrs. Dash® Extra Spicy if extra spice is desired.

To read the recipe with its complete nutritional information, go to the Mrs. Dash website. I love Mrs. Dash® seasonings and now there are so many variations, there's bound to be one that's perfect for whatever you're cooking.

The smoked turkey sounds wonderful, so if you prepare this with the turkey, please leave a comment here and let me know how you liked it!