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Classic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice with Smoked Sausage

Close-up of savory beans and rice topped with sliced smoked sausage and fresh parsley garnish.
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You will make a hearty, flavorful Louisiana Red Beans and Rice dish featuring tender red beans and smoked sausage served over fluffy rice. This recipe delivers authentic Southern comfort food that is perfect for an affordable family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound smoked sausage (like Andouille), sliced
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the sliced smoked sausage over medium heat until lightly crisped. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pot.
  2. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Return the sausage to the pot. Add the chicken broth and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Stir in the rinsed and drained red beans. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. While the beans simmer, cook the white rice according to package directions.
  7. After 30 minutes of simmering, remove the bay leaf. Taste the beans and season with salt and black pepper as needed. If you prefer a creamier texture, mash about 1/4 cup of the beans against the side of the pot.
  8. Serve the red beans and sausage mixture hot over the prepared fluffy rice. Garnish your bowl with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian or vegan meal, omit the smoked sausage and use vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
  • This recipe makes excellent freezer-friendly leftovers, making it a great meal prep staple.
  • If you want a thicker consistency, let the beans simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking time.

Nutrition

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