®*fe P o rtla n d (Observer Page 16 September 25, 2013 F ood Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Celery Smashers with Cream Gravy Authentic Cajun flavor! Serve with Tabasco sauce for a little kick or splash a little cider vinegar for added flavor. Original recipe makes 8 servings. This recipe is a great taste improve­ ment on regular old mashed potatoes. Use tghe cream gravy provided here or your favorite alternate gravy recipe. Makes 5 servings 1. Rinse beans, and then soak in a large pot of water overnight. 2. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, garlic, and celery in olive oil for 3 to 4 minutes. 3. Rinse beans, and transfer to a large pot with 6 cups water. Stir cooked vegetables into beans. Season with bay leaves, cayenne pep­ per, thyme, sage, parsley, and Cajun season­ ing. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 2 1/2 hours. 4. Stir sausage into beans, and continue to simmer for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the rice. In a saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. 5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve beans over steamed white rice. Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Directions: 1 pound dry kidney beans 1/4 cup olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 stalks celery, chopped 6 cups water 2 bay leaves 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon dried sage 1 tablespoon dried parsley 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced 4 cups water 2 cups long grain white rice Directions 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 min­ utes. Drain. 2. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Saute celery and onion for about 8 minutes, or until tender. 3. To the cooked potatoes add the celery and onion, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup cream, celery salt and ground black pepper. With an electric mixer on low, beat until desired consis­ tency is reached. 4. To make the gravy melt 2 teaspoons butter in a small saucepan. Add flour and cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cook over medium-high heat until thickened. Stir in 1/3 cup cream and onion powder; heat through. IX I Ingredients: • 5 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed • 3 tablespoons butter, divided • 1/3 cup diced celery hearts • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion • 1/4 cup heavy cream • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt • freshly ground black pepper to taste • 2 teaspoons butter • 11/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1 cup chicken broth • 1/3 cup heavy cream • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder TV C o v e r O re g o n is a new o n lin e m a rk e tp la c e w h e re y o u ’ ll be able to shop f o r h e a lth in s u ra n c e and g e t fin a n c ia l h e lp . H e re ’s how it w o rk s : S te p 1, choose a p la n , th e n a n o th e r, and a n o th e r. S te p 2 c o m p a re and see w h ic h one fits b e st. S te p 3 e n jo y b e in g in c o n tr o l fo r a ch a n g e . E n ro llm e n t b eg ins th is O c to b e r. Learn m o re at » o r c a ll