Description
A comforting and flavorful dish made with red beans, smoked sausage, and long-grain rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried red beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 cups water (if needed during cooking)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- Water or broth for cooking rice, as per package instructions
Instructions
- Rinse the red beans thoroughly and soak them overnight or for at least 6 hours. This reduces cooking time and ensures even tenderness.
- In a large pot, heat a bit of oil and sauté the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper until fragrant and softened, creating a flavorful base.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage or andouille to the pot and cook until browned, releasing smoky oils that deepen the flavor.
- Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, black pepper, and broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the beans are tender and the mixture thickens into a creamy stew. Add water if needed to keep beans covered.
- While the beans simmer, cook the long-grain white rice according to package instructions, ensuring it remains light and fluffy.
- Adjust salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Spoon the hearty red beans over warm rice and serve garnished with chopped green onions, parsley, or hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and reheats well.
- Feel free to adjust spices to your preference.
- Serve with cornbread for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg