Description
Make traditional Southern Red Beans and Rice easily in one pot. This recipe uses smoked sausage for deep flavor, making it a satisfying and budget-friendly weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed and picked over
- 6 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 pound smoked andouille sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Place the rinsed beans in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water by about two inches. Soak the beans overnight, or use a quick soak method (boil for 1 minute, then let stand covered for 1 hour). Drain the soaking water.
- Return the beans to the pot and add the chicken broth or water, sausage, onion, bell pepper, celery, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- About 30 minutes before the beans are done, stir in the minced garlic.
- Once the beans are soft, remove the bay leaf. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed. If the mixture is too thin, remove the lid and simmer for the last 15 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Serve the red beans and sausage mixture hot over mounds of cooked white rice.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika when you add the herbs for a smoky flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker texture, mash about 1 cup of the cooked beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in.
- This dish freezes well for future meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 2 hr 15 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups beans mix + 3/4 cup rice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 65
- Fiber: 18
- Protein: 22
- Cholesterol: 30