Yellow Trio Recipes

Steps:

• For the best basic beans: Cover the beans with cold water to cover by 1 inch, and soak at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
• Rinse the beans and place them in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Top with the garlic, bacon, bay leaves, onion, salt and pepper. Add enough water to cover by 1 inch, then mix and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, then cover the pot halfway (meaning, don't place the lid tightly on the pot) and cook until the liquid is thick and the beans are tender, 3 to 3 1/2 hours. (Continue to simmer if it needs more time.)
• Serve topped with grated Cheddar and diced red onion.
• For the Tex-Mex beans: Follow the basic beans recipe above, adding the jalapenos, chili powder and hot sauce with the bacon and other ingredients. Simmer the beans according to the directions above. Serve topped with a dollop each of guacamole, salsa and sour cream.
• For the Cajun beans: Follow the basic beans recipe above, adding the andouille sausage, paprika, chile flakes and thyme with the bacon and other ingredients. Simmer the beans according to the directions above. Serve topped with sliced green onions.

Steps:

• In a fine-mesh sieve, rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then set aside to drain.
• In a medium saucepan or pot, heat the oil over medium. Add the onion and garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. Take care not to burn the garlic by reducing the heat slightly if necessary.
• Add the rice and sprinkle it with the salt and turmeric. Stir to combine, then cook the rice and spices in the oil for about 1 minute. Add the water, bring to a lively boil over high heat and then immediately cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes, until the water has been absorbed. Turn off the heat and allow the rice to continue steaming, covered, for another 10 minutes.
• Gently fluff with a fork or a slotted spatula, taking care not to break too many grains. Garnish with the cilantro, if using, and serve.