“My absolute favorite dish that my mother, Anne Haynie, has made for us since my childhood is Charleston red rice. I would eat so much of it that my parents had to make me eat the rest of the meal before I could go back for thirds or fourths. After I left for college and throughout my adulthood, she always cooked her famous red rice as a wonderful homecoming welcome for us.”
The recipe comes from the famous 1950 “Charleston Recipes” cookbook. Mrs. Haynie uses a traditional rice steamer, to which the mayor attributes the unique texture.
Anne’s Charleston Red Rice
1 can tomato paste
2-3 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 – 2 cans water
4 strips bacon (cubed)
2 onions (finely chopped)
8 tablespoons bacon grease
2 cups raw rice
3 teaspoons salt
“Good dash” of pepper
Instructions
Fry bacon, remove from pan. Sauté onions in grease, then add tomato paste, water, salt, sugar and pepper. Cook uncovered until mixture measures 2 cups. Add it to rice in the top section of steamer. Add the half cup additional grease. Steam for half an hour, then add bacon crumbled, and stir with a fork. Cook 30-45 minutes longer. Serves 6-8 people.