Description
Experience the soul of New Orleans with this comforting Louisiana Red Beans and Rice recipe. Flavorful red beans simmered with smoky Andouille sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of spices create a hearty dish that warms your heart and fills your belly. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this classic meal brings people together with its rich flavors and inviting aroma.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried red kidney beans (soaked overnight)
- 8 oz Andouille sausage (sliced)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 stalks celery (finely chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the sliced Andouille sausage until golden. Remove from pot but keep the drippings.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add soaked red beans, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Pour in enough water or broth to cover the mixture by one inch.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 hours or until beans are tender—stir occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Serve the bean mixture hot over rice and top with chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Louisiana
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead. You can substitute Andouille sausage with smoked turkey or add fresh spinach for extra nutrition. A splash of vinegar at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.