Description
Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a traditional Creole comfort dish made with creamy red beans slow-simmered with smoked sausage, aromatics, and Cajun spices, served over fluffy white rice. It’s hearty, flavorful, and deeply rooted in Louisiana heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage (e.g., andouille), sliced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
- Chopped green onions and hot sauce (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add soaked red beans, thyme, paprika, cayenne, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and water or broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and creamy.
- Smash some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken the mixture, if desired. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot over cooked white rice. Garnish with green onions and a dash of hot sauce.
Notes
- For smoky flavor, use ham hock or add a bit of liquid smoke if andouille isn’t available.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting sausage and using vegetable broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (with rice)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Louisiana red beans and rice, authentic red beans, Creole beans and rice, Cajun sausage beans, Southern comfort food