Description
Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines smoked sausage, red kidney beans, and spices, served over fluffy white rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (andouille preferred)
- 1 lb dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions and hot sauce (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and sausage; cook for another 3–4 minutes until sausage is lightly browned.
- Add red beans, broth or water, bay leaves, thyme, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and mixture thickens.
- Use a spoon to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to create a creamier texture, if desired.
- Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve over cooked white rice and garnish with green onions and hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
- Andouille sausage adds authentic flavor, but any smoked sausage can be used.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Louisiana
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Louisiana Red Beans and Rice, comfort food, Cajun cuisine, hearty meal