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Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice with Smoked Sausage

A close-up of a white bowl filled with white rice topped with rich red beans and rice and slices of smoked sausage.
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Make this classic Southern comfort food on the stovetop. This recipe uses the Holy Trinity and smoked sausage for deep, authentic flavor, omitting tomatoes for a traditional Creole style.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 pound smoked sausage (like andouille or kielbasa), sliced into rounds
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped (part of the Holy Trinity)
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped (part of the Holy Trinity)
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped (part of the Holy Trinity)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooked white rice, for serving
  • Hot sauce, for serving

Instructions

  1. Drain the soaked red beans thoroughly.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  3. Add the onion, celery, and green pepper (the Holy Trinity) to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 7 to 10 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Return the sausage to the pot. Add the drained red beans, chicken broth (or water), bay leaf, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
  7. Simmer the beans slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The beans are done when they are very tender and have started to break down, creating a thick, creamy sauce. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water.
  8. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the beans and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For an even creamier texture, mash about 1 cup of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon.
  9. Serve the red beans hot over fluffy white rice. Offer hot sauce on the side for those who want extra heat.

Notes

  • For a quick meal, consider using canned beans, but you will need to reduce the simmering time significantly.
  • If you are looking for budget friendly meals, dried beans are the most economical choice.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten free.
  • If you prefer a vegan version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth; add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor substitute.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/red-beans-and-rice-authentic-louisiana-comfort/