Print

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a hearty, soulful dish made with creamy red kidney beans slowly simmered with smoky sausage, aromatic vegetables, and warm spices, served over fluffy white rice.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 cups chicken broth or water
  • 3 cups cooked white rice
  • Optional garnish: sliced green onions or chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Stir in thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and bay leaves.
  6. Return sausage to the pot and add soaked red beans.
  7. Pour in chicken broth or water, ensuring beans are fully covered.
  8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender.
  9. Mash a portion of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken the mixture.
  10. Season with salt to taste and remove bay leaves.
  11. Serve over warm white rice and garnish as desired.

Notes

  • Use canned red beans to reduce cooking time to about 45 minutes.
  • Increase cayenne or add hot sauce for extra spice.
  • Substitute brown rice for a nuttier flavor.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze beans (without rice) for up to 2 months.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and use vegetable broth with smoked paprika for depth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/louisiana-red-beans-and-rice/