Name: Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pound dried red beans; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 3 celery stalks, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 6 cups water; 2 cups chicken broth; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 4 cups cooked white rice; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Description

Experience the taste of Southern comfort with this Louisiana Red Beans and Rice recipe. Featuring creamy, flavorful red beans cooked with smoky sausage, aromatic spices, and served over fluffy white rice, this classic dish is perfect for a hearty family meal. Enjoy a true Southern favorite that combines savory ingredients and rich flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

1 pound dried red beans

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 pound smoked sausage, sliced

1 large onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

3 celery stalks, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

6 cups water

2 cups chicken broth

Salt and black pepper, to taste

4 cups cooked white rice

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Rinse and sort the red beans, removing any debris. Soak the beans in water overnight, then drain and rinse.
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
In the same pot, add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Return the sausage to the pot along with the drained beans. Add the water and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally, adding more water if necessary.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Serve the red beans over cooked white rice and garnish with fresh parsley and sliced green onions.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a bit of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time to 30 minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 servings
Calories: 400 kcal

Keywords: Louisiana Red Beans and Rice, Southern comfort food, red beans, smoked sausage, Southern recipes, hearty meals, classic Southern dishes, easy red beans recipe