Red Beans

"Every Monday, dinner in New Orleans is simply known as "red beans." In the days before washing machines, Monday was traditionally wash day, and it became necessary to create a wash day supper that wouldn't require much attention while the women were busy scrubbing clothes, which then had to be wrung and rinsed by hand then hung dry. Red beans and rice fit the bill and the tradition is still deeply embedded in New Orleans lore. A pot of red beans, a pot of rice, a couple skillets of cornbread, and a bottle of crystal hot sauce. No other requirements, no agenda. That is red beans. "