Ingredients
2
1/2 cups dried red kidney beans, rinsed, picked over
1/2
ounce dried porcini mushrooms*
1
large green bell pepper, chopped
1/4
cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2
1/2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon or 2 tsp dried, crumbled
2
tsp minced fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried, crumbled
3
ounces button mushrooms, sliced
3
14 1/2-ounce cans beef broth
1
3/4 pounds smoked ham hocks, cut into pieces
1
1/2 pounds smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille)
Hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
4
cups long-grain rice, freshly cooked
1/4
cup chopped fresh chives
1/4
cup chopped fresh parsley
*Porcini are available at Italian markets and specialty foods stores.
Directions
1.
Place beans in large bowl with enough cold water to cover by 3 inches. Let stand overnight. Drain beans.
2.
Place dried mushrooms in bowl and pour 1 1/2 cups boiling water over. Soak until softened, about 15 minutes. Transfer mushrooms to bowl using slotted spoon. Strain soaking liquid through sieve lined with paper towel; reserve. Thinly slice mushrooms.
3.
Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, 1/4 cup parsley, tarragon, rosemary and bay leaves. Cook until vegetables are translucent, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add button mushrooms and sauté 3 minutes. Mix in kidney beans, porcini mushrooms, reserved mushroom soaking liquid, broth, 4 cups water and ham hocks. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover partially and simmer 1 hour.
4.
Meanwhile, melt 3 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook through, turning frequently, about 10 minutes. Transfer sausage to paper towels using tongs and drain. Cut into 1-inch-thick slices.
5.
Add sausage to bean mixture in pot. Simmer uncovered until beans are very tender, stirring frequently, about 45 minutes. Season with hot pepper sauce and cayenne. Remove ham hocks. Discard bones. Cut meat into bite-size pieces and return to pot. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before serving.) Spoon rice into bowls. Ladle beans over. Garnish with chives and parsley.
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