Louisiana Red Beans And Rice Recipe
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4.7 from 26 reviews
Savory Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a classic Southern comfort dish with rich, hearty flavors that are perfect for a slow-simmered weekend meal.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat and Protein:
- 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage (like Andouille), sliced
- 1 lb (450 g) dried red beans, soaked overnight and drained (or use 3 cans, rinsed and drained)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Spices, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon drippings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 6 cups (1.5 L) chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
- 2 cups (400 g) long-grain white rice
- 4 cups (960 ml) water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional for flavor)
- Pinch of salt
- Prepare dried beans: Soak the beans overnight, then drain and rinse.
- Heat oil: In a pot, heat oil and sear sausage until browned. Remove from pot.
- Sauté vegetables: Cook onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic until translucent.
- Add sausage and spices: Return sausage to pot, add beans, spices, and broth. Simmer.
- Cook rice: Boil water, butter, and salt. Add rice, cover, and simmer until tender.
- Creamy texture: Crush some beans against the pot. Adjust seasoning.
- Plate: Serve beans over rice, garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
- Use dark red kidney beans for authentic flavor.
- Swap smoked sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and controlling salt.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months for richer flavors when reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg