Tasso Green Beans

Tasso is smoked meat found in South Louisiana, usually pork, it is marinated in a seasoned brine solution then smoked over a southern hardwood. It is used to add flavor to a wide variety of dishes and works particularly well with vegetables in this case green beans.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons margarine
• 1 cup tasso
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning
• 1 pound frozen cut green beans
• 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds

Directions:

1. Heat the margarine in saute pan. Saute tasso, onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic for two minutes.
2. Add Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning, and cut green beans. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the green beans are cooked.
3. Top with the toasted almonds. Yields 8 side servings.

Recipe compliments of Chef Patrick Mould edited by Lafayette Travel.