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Classic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

A close-up of creamy red kidney beans and sliced sausage served over fluffy white rice, a perfect beans and rice dish.
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A traditional, hearty recipe for slow-cooked red beans and rice, seasoned with the ‘holy trinity’ of Cajun cooking.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed and picked over
  • 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 pound smoked sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed beans in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cover with water by about two inches and soak overnight, or use a quick soak method (boil for 2 minutes, then let stand covered for 1 hour). Drain the beans.
  2. In the same pot, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and celery (the trinity) over medium heat until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and optional sausage to the pot. Cook until the sausage is browned, about 5 minutes. Drain off excess fat if necessary.
  4. Return the drained beans to the pot. Add the chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The beans should become very tender and the liquid should thicken into a gravy-like consistency. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  6. Serve the red beans hot over individual portions of cooked white rice.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
  • To make this a one-pot meal using a slow cooker, combine all ingredients (except rice) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
  • If the beans are too thick, add a little water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/classic-louisiana-red-beans-and-rice/