Description
This classic New Orleans-Style Red Beans and Rice recipe offers a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender red beans simmered with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and smoky sausage, served over fluffy cooked rice—a beloved Creole comfort food perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Vegetables
- 1 pound dried red beans
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Spices and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
Protein and Serving
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse the red beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris. Soak the beans overnight in a large pot filled with water to soften them and reduce cooking time.
- Cook the Beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Simmer the Beans: Add the drained beans back to the pot along with enough water to cover them by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- Add Sausage: Stir in the sliced smoked sausage and continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes to blend the flavors and ensure the sausage is heated through.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves from the pot. Adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt or cayenne pepper. Serve the red beans and sausage hot over cooked rice.
Notes
- Soaking beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and makes digestion easier.
- You can use smoked Andouille sausage for a more authentic Cajun flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- If preferred, soak beans in hot water for at least 1 hour if short on time.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
- Cook Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole, Southern United States
