Red Beans and Rice Recipe

This classic Red Beans and Rice recipe features tender red beans simmered with smoky andouille sausage, aromatic vegetables, and traditional Cajun spices, served over fluffy white rice. Perfect for a hearty and comforting meal, this dish is rich in flavor and ideal for a satisfying dinner or leftover lunch.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 lb dried red beans or kidney beans
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
• 10 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into half-inch rounds
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups cooked rice
• Hot sauce (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Soak the Beans: The night before cooking, rinse and sort the dried beans to remove any debris. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water by two inches. Soak the beans covered overnight in the refrigerator. Drain and rinse before cooking.
2. 2Brown the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. 3Cook the Vegetables: Add more oil if needed, then add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook over medium-low heat until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
4. 4Add the Spices: Reduce the heat to low. Add minced garlic, dried parsley, thyme, oregano, paprika, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for about one minute to release the flavors.
5. 5Simmer Beans: Add the soaked beans, bay leaves, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 1 to 1½ hours until the beans begin to soften.
6. 6Finish Cooking and Thicken: Return the browned andouille sausage to the pot and continue simmering for another 30 to 40 minutes, until the beans are very soft and starting to break down. Remove bay leaves. Mash some beans with the back of a spoon or puree a portion with an immersion blender to thicken the mixture.
7. 7Prepare Rice and Serve: While the beans simmer, cook the rice separately according to package instructions. Serve the red beans over a generous portion of cooked rice and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Add hot sauce if desired.