Red Beans and Rice
A classic, hearty Louisiana Creole dish. Creamy red beans slow-simmered with smoked sausage, the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, and Cajun spices, served over fluffy white rice. It's comfort food at its best.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 150 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Soak the Beans (8+ hours): Sort through the dried beans, removing any debris or broken pieces. Rinse them well under cold water. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with at least 2 inches of cold water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. After soaking, drain the beans completely and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown Sausage & Sauté Aromatics (15-20 minutes): Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until well-browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage, setting it aside but leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery (the 'holy trinity') to the pot. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened and the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- 3
Simmer the Beans (2-2.5 hours): Return the browned sausage to the pot
- a.Add the drained beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. Cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent sticking, until the beans are completely tender.
- 4
Thicken and Season (20-30 minutes): Once the beans are tender, remove the lid
- a.Use the back of a large spoon to mash about one cup of the beans against the side of the pot. This releases their starches and naturally thickens the gravy. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency. Remove the bay leaves. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. The amount of salt will depend on your sausage and broth.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Rice (15-20 minutes): While the beans are in their final simmer, cook the long-grain white rice with water according to package directions. Once cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve: To serve, spoon a generous amount of the red beans and sausage over a bed of fluffy white rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions and fresh parsley.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest beans, always soak them overnight. A quick soak method won't yield the same texture.
- 2Don't add salt until the beans are fully tender. Salting too early can make the bean skins tough.
- 3Mashing some of the beans is the traditional secret to achieving that signature creamy, thick gravy without adding any flour or cornstarch.
- 4This dish tastes even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld together. It also freezes exceptionally well for future meals.
- 5For an even deeper, smokier flavor, add a smoked ham hock to the pot along with the beans at the beginning of the simmer.
- 6Control the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper and choosing a mild or hot andouille sausage.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Omit the andouille sausage and use a plant-based smoked sausage instead. Substitute the chicken broth with a rich vegetable broth. Sauté the vegetables in olive oil.
Quick VersionQuick Version
If you're short on time, you can use 3 (15-ounce) cans of red kidney beans, rinsed and drained. Add them during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking time, as they are already cooked.
Different MeatsDifferent Meats
Swap the andouille for other smoked meats like tasso ham, smoked turkey wings, or a classic smoked ham hock for different layers of flavor.
Slow Cooker MethodSlow Cooker Method
Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as directed. Transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until beans are tender. Mash some beans and cook on high, uncovered, for the last 30 minutes to thicken.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Red kidney beans are packed with dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
High in Protein
This dish combines protein from both the beans and the sausage, making it a hearty meal that supports muscle maintenance and repair, and keeps you feeling full longer.
Rich in Essential Minerals
Beans are a natural source of important minerals like iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood, and manganese, an antioxidant that supports bone health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be a very balanced and nutritious meal. The beans provide excellent plant-based protein, high fiber, and essential minerals. However, the overall healthiness depends on the type of sausage used (which can be high in fat and sodium) and the amount of salt in the Cajun seasoning and broth. Using low-sodium broth and a leaner sausage can make it a healthier option.