Description
Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a classic Southern dish that combines hearty red kidney beans with flavorful smoked sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of spices. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this comforting recipe is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your spice preference.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans
- 1 pound smoked sausage (turkey or beef)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 celery stalks
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Green onions and hot sauce for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Soak the red kidney beans overnight in a large bowl with water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
- In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the sliced sausage for about 5 minutes, then set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and spices; cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add soaked beans and bay leaves to the pot along with water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2-3 hours.
- Mash some beans against the pot's side to thicken the mixture. Return the sausage to the pot and stir in Worcestershire sauce; simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Serve over cooked white rice, garnished with green onions and hot sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg