Description
Classic Red Beans & Rice is a hearty and flavorful Creole dish featuring tender red beans simmered with smoky andouille sausage, aromatic vegetables, and bold spices. Served over fluffy long-grain white rice, this comforting meal brings the authentic taste of New Orleans to your kitchen with an easy one-pot preparation ideal for family dinners and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Sausage
- 1 lb dried red beans
- 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Spices
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids
- 6 cups chicken stock or broth
Rice
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse the dried red beans thoroughly and soak them overnight or use a quick soak method to reduce cooking time and ensure creamy, tender beans.
- Sauté the Vegetables and Sausage: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper; cook until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic, then add sliced andouille sausage, browning slightly to release smoky flavor.
- Simmer the Beans: Add soaked and drained beans to the pot along with chicken stock, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until beans are tender and broth is thick and creamy.
- Cook the Rice: While beans simmer, cook long-grain white rice separately according to package instructions until fluffy and perfectly cooked.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove bay leaves and thyme stems. Season bean mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon hot beans over rice, garnish as desired, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Patience Pays Off: Slow simmering unlocks best flavors and perfect bean texture.
- Don’t Skip Soaking: Soaking reduces cooking time and prevents cracked bean skins.
- Stir Often: Prevents sticking and helps create a creamy consistency.
- Adjust Thickness: Mash some beans against pot sides for extra creaminess if desired.
- Use Quality Sausage: A flavorful andouille sausage enhances taste significantly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup beans and 1/3 cup cooked rice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: red beans and rice, Creole, New Orleans, andouille sausage, comfort food, one-pot meal, hearty, spicy