Red Beans & Rice Soul Food Recipe

Step 1

Rinse and pick through beans, discarding any misshapen beans or debris. Place beans in large bowl. Add enough water to cover beans by at least 2 inches. Let stand overnight.

Step 2

Drain beans, discarding soaking liquid; set beans aside. Cook bacon in Dutch oven or deep large skillet until crisp. Remove bacon from pan with slotted spoon, reserving 2 Tbsp. drippings in pan. Drain bacon on paper towels. Meanwhile, add onions, peppers and garlic to reserved drippings; cook and stir 5 min. or until crisp-tender.

Step 3

Return bacon to pan with beans, ham hock, broth, 2 Tbsp. parsley, bay leaf and seasonings. Bring to boil; simmer on low heat 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until beans are tender and liquid is thickened, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook rice as directed on package during the last 30 min. of the bean cooking time.

Step 4

Remove ham hock and bay leaf; discard bay leaf. Shred meat from ham hock; discard bone and any fat. Stir meat into bean mixture. Serve over rice; top with remaining parsley.