Description
A classic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice recipe, perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal. This dish brings the taste of New Orleans to your table, featuring tender red beans, smoky Andouille sausage, and a blend of Cajun spices.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans, picked over and rinsed
- 8 cups water, plus more if needed
- 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Place the rinsed red kidney beans in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until beans are tender. Drain and set aside the beans, reserving the cooking liquid.
- While the beans are cooking, brown the Andouille sausage in a separate large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Return the cooked beans and sausage to the pot. Add the reserved cooking liquid, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. Add more reserved liquid or water if the beans become too thick.
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the Louisiana Red Beans and Rice hot over cooked white rice.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the Andouille sausage and use vegetable broth instead of reserved bean liquid if needed. You can add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spice.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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