Here is a spicy dish for Candlemas celebrations submitted by our team member Justyn Staley. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1/2 clove garlic, minced (optional)
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves (optional)
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 to 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
1 (7-ounce) package red beans and rice mix
3/4 pound of ground beef
One can of black olives (optional)
Sliced jalapeño peppers (optional)
Preparation:
In a heavy skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic with the ground beef that is 90-93 percent lean in olive oil until crisp and tender. Add remaining ingredients EXCEPT red beans and rice mix, and simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes to blend flavors.
Prepare red beans and rice mix as directed on package and add in the tomato and onion mixture. Simmer for 3-5 minutes longer, and then serve. Sliced black olives on top are “optional.” You can also use jalapeño peppers as a topper if you desire.
Recipe Notes: Ground beef is an excellent addition, but it is also optional for any vegetarians out their celebrating Candlemas. Spice the dish to taste. All of the above ingredients like the onion and black olives and even the garlic along with the ground beef are not needed, yet they are just there to enhance the dish to taste. Not everything is meant for everyone and this is a recipe that you can prepare based on your preferences.
