Rice and Beans
A hearty one-pot meal featuring smoked sausage, tender red kidney beans, and fluffy rice, all simmered in a savory broth with classic Southern spices. This comforting dish is a weeknight staple, ready in under an hour.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown the Sausage
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well-browned on both sides.
- d.Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Holy Trinity
- b.Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot.
- c.Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine Ingredients
- b.Stir in the rinsed long-grain white rice, and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the grains slightly.
- c.Pour in the chicken broth. Add the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf.
- d.Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir everything together to combine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Rice
- b.Once boiling, gently stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans.
- c.Immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- d.Do not lift the lid during this time to ensure the rice steams properly.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.After 20 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for fluffy rice.
- c.Remove the lid, discard the bay leaf, and fluff the rice and beans with a fork.
- d.Garnish generously with sliced green onions and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For authentic flavor, use Andouille sausage. If unavailable, any smoked sausage like kielbasa will also work.
- 2Rinsing the rice removes excess surface starch, which is key to preventing a gummy texture.
- 3The 10-minute resting period off the heat is essential. It allows the rice to finish steaming and absorb the last bit of moisture, resulting in a perfect texture.
- 4If you prefer a spicier dish, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning or serve with your favorite hot sauce.
- 5This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. It's perfect for meal prepping.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use a plant-based alternative. Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
Swap the sausage for diced chicken thighs (brown them first), cooked shrimp (add in the last 5 minutes), or pulled pork.
Brown RiceBrown Rice
To use brown rice, increase the chicken broth to 3.5 cups and extend the simmering time to 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Incorporate other vegetables like corn, diced carrots, or okra. Add them along with the holy trinity.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Fiber
Red kidney beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Provides Complete Protein
The classic combination of rice and beans forms a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids that your body needs for muscle repair and growth.
Sustained Energy Release
The complex carbohydrates from the rice and beans are digested slowly, providing a steady and sustained release of energy to keep you feeling full and energized for longer.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Rice and Beans recipe contains approximately 650-700 calories, depending on the specific type of sausage used. It's a complete and filling meal.