peas at a party

We just watched the pilot for the new Fox series K-Ville and loved it.  The critics seem to agree, but it has definitely stirred debate about “the” New Orleans accent.  And is it New Awlins or N’Awlins?  And do New Orleanians really talk like “Yankees”?  Heh.  Just wait until they get to Tchoupitoulous and Burgundy.  That would be bur-GUN-dee.

The show is set in post-Katrina New Orleans two-years after the storm, and it’s gritty and edgy and fast.  Marlin Boulet, an NOPD veteran, has deep feelings for the city he loves, and they ring true.  But when his new and not-from-NO partner refers to the “neutral ground,” we cried foul.  How did the writers and producers let that one slip by?  No “stranger” would ever call the median a neutral ground.  Turns out that it wasn’t a slip, but a little hint of the story twist to come.  Every reference to food, except maybe the gumbo party, rang true . . . starting with Boulet’s drippy and “dressed” oyster po’ boy.

We lived in New Orleans four years, and our kids were born there.  Even from that brief stay, we feel an attachment, so some of the K-Ville scenes were hard to watch–the beautiful homes and cottages that are still in ruins; the bleak streets where once it was lush.  You can’t help but wonder when the good times will roll again.

If you’re in the mood for a taste of the Big Easy but don’t have all day to let the pot simmer, here’s a quick, weeknight version of a classic.

Red Beans & Rice, N’Awlins Style

Serves 6; about 10 minutes hands-on, ready in about 1 hour

• 2 (16-oz) cans red kidney beans

• ¾ cup chopped onion

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ cup chopped green bell pepper

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• 1 tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp dried thyme

• 2 Tbsp dried parsley

•  ½ pound turkey kielbasa, optional, sliced

• Onion and tomato, chopped

• Brown or white rice, cooked according to package directions

1. Combine first 8 ingredients in a large sauce pan.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. (If you are adding sausage, add it after the first 20 minutes.)

2. Mash a few of the beans against the side of the pan to thicken the juices and cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.

3. Serve in bowls over rice (about 1/2 cup rice per serving) with chopped onion and chopped tomato for garnish.

Per each ¾-cup serving of beans without sausage:  165 calories; 1.2 grams fat; 27.5 grams carbohydrates; 8.8 grams fiber; 9.8 grams protein