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Red Beans and Rice

Hearty Louisiana-style Red Beans and Rice with smoky sausage and vibrant Cajun spices, slow-cooked to perfection for a comforting meal.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes
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Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb dried red kidney beans picked over
  • 1.5 cups water plus more for soaking beans
  • 13 oz Andouille sausage sliced about 1/3-inch thick
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion diced (about 2 cups)
  • 2 large ribs celery sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced (about 1 1/2 Tbsp)
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 0.5 tsp thyme
  • 0.125 tsp cayenne pepper optional, adjust to taste
  • 32 oz low-sodium chicken broth about 4 cups
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley and green onions chopped, combined
  • 2 cups white rice cooked according to package directions
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Add the beans to a large bowl and pour in enough water to cover by 2 inches. Soak for at least 8 hours or overnight, then drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage slices and cook, tossing occasionally, until slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving about 2 Tbsp fat in the pan.
  • Add diced onion, celery, and chopped red bell pepper to the pot and sauté for 3 minutes. Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika, then sauté for 1 more minute.
  • Pour in chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups water, drained beans, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Return sausage slices to the pot and season with salt to taste (about 1/4 to 1/2 tsp).
  • Bring mixture to a light boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until beans are tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  • Stir in chopped parsley and green onions. Serve warm over prepared white rice.

Notes

This classic Southern comfort food can be served with hot sauce for extra heat. For a flavorful variation, swap thyme for bay leaves during cooking (remove before serving).