Description
Hearty Louisiana classic Red Beans and Rice brings soulful comfort straight from New Orleans’ rich culinary traditions. Spicy andouille sausage and creamy red beans merge with fluffy rice, offering a satisfying meal packed with bold southern flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) dried red kidney beans
- 1 lb (454 grams) canned red beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Spices, Herbs, and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Select dried beans and implement an expedited hydration technique by boiling for 2 minutes, then allowing a 1-hour rest. Alternatively, utilize canned beans, thoroughly rinsing and draining them.
- Activate a large pot with medium heat, introducing olive oil. Incorporate diced onion, bell pepper, and celery, sautéing for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables become translucent.
- Introduce aromatic elements including garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and optional cayenne. Stir and roast spices for 1-2 minutes to amplify their essence.
- Integrate prepared beans with vegetable broth and bay leaf. Elevate temperature to achieve a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, covering the pot.
- Maintain a gentle simmer for 1.5-2 hours if using dried beans, or 30 minutes for canned varieties. Monitor liquid consistency and bean tenderness.
- Simultaneously prepare rice following package instructions, using either stovetop or rice cooker method.
- Extract bay leaf and conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper as necessary.
- Present beans atop fluffy rice, embellishing with fresh parsley and optional hot sauce for an additional flavor dimension.
Notes
- Customize beans based on dietary needs by using plant-based sausage for vegetarian version or swapping meat for extra protein-rich alternatives.
- Control spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity, allowing heat-sensitive individuals to enjoy the dish comfortably.
- Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with different smoked spices like paprika or chipotle powder for deeper smoky undertones.
- Maximize meal prep efficiency by preparing larger bean batches and freezing portions for quick future meals, saving time and energy.
- Prep Time: 1 hour (if using dried beans) or 5 minutes (if using canned beans)
- Cook Time: 2 hours (for dried beans) or 30 minutes (for canned beans)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg