Red beans with sausage

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

1. Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, bring water and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

String Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh string beans, ends trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Blanch string beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add string beans, salt, and pepper, and sauté until heated through and coated in garlic and oil.

Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge.
2. Combine flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bag. Add chicken pieces and shake to coat.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, and eggs. Stir into dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serving:

Arrange the red beans and sausage over or alongside the rice, serve with string beans, fried chicken, and a slice of cornbread. This meal is a celebration of flavors and textures, offering a bit of comfort and warmth with every bite. Enjoy your delicious, soulful feast!