Beans & Rice

I was first introduced to red beans & rice in New Orleans when I was a very young man. It was different than the meat & potatos of my culture, and I liked it righ away. It was the traditional dinner on Monday nights, and it cooked over a low fire all day while the laundry was being done. Kind of an early crock pot dinner. I think it was made with ham and bisquits, but I might be wrong about that. Mahnmahn cooked beans with rice for me in West Africa. She added a piece of smoked fish which I also liked. As for rice, Liberians say, "If I have not had rice, I have not eaten a meal". Brasilians favor black beans with rice, and some say that "beans & rice is the perfect marriage". I think I agree. I like that it's a great meal to share; you can add pork, beef, chicken, or sausages; and it is easy to divide and share. There seems always to be enough for one more.