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Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

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Savor red beans & rice, LA’s iconic dish. Get the authentic recipe, cooking tips & history of this cherished comfort food classic 

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried red kidney beans
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 67 cups chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 green onions, sliced, for garnish
  • Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

  • Quick-Soak the Beans: Place the rinsed beans in a large pot and cover with water by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and set aside.
  • Brown the Sausage: In the same large pot or a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  • Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot with the sausage drippings, add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
  • Combine and Simmer: Add the drained beans, browned sausage, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy.
  • Mash and Thicken: Once the beans are soft, use a wooden spoon or potato masher to mash about one-third of the beans against the side of the pot. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes to thicken up.
  • Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Serve hot over a bed of fluffy white rice, garnished with fresh green onions.

Notes

A quicker version of classic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice that delivers deep, soulful flavor without a full-day commitment. It’s a simple, comforting dish featuring creamy beans, savory sausage, and the ‘holy trinity’ of veggies, perfect for a busy weeknight.

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