Description
A classic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice recipe featuring tender red kidney beans simmered with smoky andouille sausage, aromatic vegetables, and bold Cajun spices, served over fluffy white rice for a hearty and comforting Southern meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Sausage
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 2 bay leaves
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
To Serve
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Beans: Drain and rinse the soaked dried kidney beans thoroughly to remove excess starch and any impurities.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery, sautéing until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Cook this aromatic mixture for an additional 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Cook Sausage: Add the sliced andouille sausage to the pot. Cook and stir occasionally until the sausage rounds are lightly browned and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
- Simmer Beans: Add the drained beans, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally and adding more broth or water if needed, until the beans are tender and creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste the beans and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve the rich bean and sausage mixture hot over cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute smoked turkey for the sausage or omit the meat altogether.
- A splash of apple cider vinegar added at the end brightens and balances the flavors beautifully.
- To increase heat, add a diced jalapeño along with the vegetables when sautéing.
