Description
As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to dinner. That’s why I absolutely adore making Red Beans and Rice. This classic dish is not only hearty and flavorful, but it also comes together with minimal fuss. Imagine a warm bowl of creamy beans, smoky sausage, and perfectly cooked rice, all simmered together with a blend of spices. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb dried red beans (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: If using dried beans, soak them in water overnight, then drain and rinse.
- Cook the Sausage & Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Simmer the Beans: Add the red beans, broth, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, Cajun seasoning, cayenne, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender. If the mixture is too thick, add extra broth or water as needed.
- Mash & Finish: Remove 1 cup of beans, mash them with a fork, then stir back into the pot to thicken the sauce. Return the sausage to the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve hot over cooked white rice, garnished with green onions and parsley. Add extra hot sauce for spice!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust the level of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg