Name: Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb dried red beans, soaked overnight; 1 lb smoked sausage, cut into ½-inch slices; 1 onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp thyme; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp cumin; ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); Salt and pepper to taste; 3 cups cooked white rice; 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Description

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a comforting, flavorful Southern classic that combines hearty red beans, savory smoked sausage, and perfectly cooked rice. The slow simmering process allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich, smoky, and satisfying dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1 lb dried red beans, soaked overnight
1 lb smoked sausage, cut into ½-inch slices
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
6 cups chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups cooked white rice
2 tbsp vegetable oil

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Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the soaked red beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Once the beans are tender, return the sausage to the pot and stir. Let it simmer for another 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Remove the bay leaves and season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the red beans over a bed of freshly cooked white rice.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, skip the smoked sausage and use plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms.
To spice it up, add more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
If using canned beans, reduce cooking time by adding them in the last 15-20 minutes of simmering.
To make a slow cooker version, follow the same steps and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender.

Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern, Cajun