Red Beans and Rice

Had the opportunity to revisit one of my favorite Hammond restaurants, Tope La, for lunch.  We were celebrating the retirement of a colleague.  I tried a unique item they have on their lunch menu, fried catfish and red beans rice.  What makes it unique is the combination of the two different dishes. 

Although it was good - the red beans were not as good as the ones I make at home and I did not care for the sausage that was part of the dish.  Of course the red beans that I make at home are usually very easy to make and delicious because I use Blue Runner cream-style beans.  I begin by browning some sausage and then adding the can of Blue Runner.  I also add some Tony Chachere's (another secret of the Louisiana home cook).

If you have a faovite red beans and rice recipes or a "secret" Louisiana ingredient you want share post on the comments.  Happy cooking and eating!!