Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
A comforting and hearty dish of red beans and rice infused with Cajun spices and sausage, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Beans and Cooking Base
- 1 pound dry kidney beans Rinse and soak overnight.
- ¼ cup olive oil Used for sautéing vegetables.
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 6 cups water For cooking beans.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme A staple herb for Southern cooking.
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning Adds zest and warmth.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon dried sage Enhances flavor.
Sausage and Rice
- 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced Smoked sausage for authentic flavor.
- 4 cups water For cooking rice.
- 2 cups long grain white rice Fluffy rice that absorbs flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- Soak 1 pound of dry kidney beans in a large pot of water overnight.
- Rinse the beans again before cooking.
Cooking the Beans
- Heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
- In a large pot, combine rinsed beans, sautéed veggies, 6 cups of water, bay leaves, dried parsley, thyme, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and dried sage. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 2.5 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, stir in the sliced andouille sausage to combine.
Cooking the Rice
- In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 2 cups of long grain white rice and simmer covered for about 20 minutes.
Serving
- Serve the beans over the cooked rice, optionally topping with additional Cajun seasoning.
Notes
Letting the dish sit before serving intensifies the flavors. This meal keeps well and can be made ahead of time.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 500mgFiber: 12gSugar: 2g
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