Description
Hearty Louisiana red beans and rice dance with smoky andouille sausage and tender beans, creating a soulful Southern comfort classic. Rich flavors and creamy textures invite you to savor a delicious journey through New Orleans culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 pound (454 grams) dried red beans
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Green onions (for garnish)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups (474 milliliters) cooked white rice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Hot sauce (for garnish)
Instructions
- Submerge dried red beans in cold water, allowing them to hydrate for 8-12 hours or overnight.
- Select a substantial cooking vessel and warm olive oil over medium heat, introducing diced onions, bell peppers, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate sliced smoked sausage into the vegetable mixture, browning the meat for 4-5 minutes to develop rich caramelized flavors.
- Drain soaked beans and transfer them into the pot, combining with chicken or vegetable stock, Cajun seasoning, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaves.
- Reduce heat to low, covering the pot and allowing the mixture to gently simmer for 1.5-2 hours. Periodically stir and monitor liquid levels, adding additional stock if needed.
- When beans reach optimal tenderness, partially mash some against the pot’s side to create a luxurious, creamy texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Prepare white rice separately, then ladle the robust bean mixture over the grains. Enhance presentation by sprinkling chopped green onions and offering hot sauce on the side for additional zest.
Notes
- Soaking beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility, making the dish easier on your stomach.
- Customize the heat level by adjusting Cajun seasoning or adding hot sauce according to your spice tolerance.
- For a vegetarian version, replace smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms for similar smoky flavor.
- Freeze leftover beans in portions for quick future meals, as the dish tastes even better after flavors meld together overnight.
- Prep Time: 8 hours (or 12 hours)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 407 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg