Stupid cooking mistake...need opinions

[Micca]

I was given one of those red beans and rice kits and I just made a blunder in the preparation. There was a small bag of garni which was meant to simmer in the bag along with the beans, ham hocks, onion, etc.and removed before serving. Well I didn't read all the instructions and I opened the little bag and dumped it in with everything else. Is this going to be edible, or should I just dump it and forget about it? It is supposed to simmer as long as four hours, so please offer in advice. (that's me stirring the beans with all the little bits floating in it).

 

[luvdzne]

Can you maybe strain it out when it's done?

 

[ahutton]

Any idea what the contents of that packet were? Was it a packet of herbs and such? If so, do they list what is in it?

 

[Micca]

Contents list it as "mixed herb garni" I can't strain it out because it will mix in with the beans I suspect it will be ok but might have some "unusual" textures

 

[kristen821]

I would try it you never know if it doesn't taste good you'll know better next time!

 

[liamandcaili]

If you're just concerned about the texture, after you cook the beans you could blend them. That would eliminate any large, prickly herbs. The taste might be a little stronger than it would have been if you took the herbs out, but that doesn't seem bad to me. The only thing I would check is to see if bay leaves were included in the garni. They should definitely be removed as they will make things bitter.

Good luck!

 

[Micca]

Thanks for all the suggestions. There's no way I can tell what herbs were in there as it was pretty finely chopped up. I guess I'll keep it cookin' and we'll see what happens. It's not like I have a big group of people here waiting for dinner. I'll let you know what happens. Thanks again for your responses

 

[luvdzne]

Are the herbs floating on top?

 

[Micca]

Some of the herbs have stuck to the side of the pot as the liquid boils down The rest are mired in the beans. I'll have a report within the hour

 

[Deb & Bill]

Could you add lots of water so that the herbs float to the top? Then strain them out and simmer to reduce the water.

 

[Micca]

Well I just tried my red beans and rice...and they came out real good
I got just one little "twig" of something in a bite, but other than that, it was very enjoyable. Thanks for all of your helpful suggestions. There is plenty left if you're in the area and want to stop by

 

[luvdzne]

Well I just tried my red beans and rice...and they came out real good
I got just one little "twig" of something in a bite, but other than that, it was very enjoyable. Thanks for all of your helpful suggestions. There is plenty left if you're in the area and want to stop by

Glad it turned out.