Description
Hearty Louisiana red beans and rice bring soulful southern comfort to dinner tables across America. Creamy beans, smoky andouille sausage, and perfectly seasoned rice create a classic dish that connects generations through rich, spicy flavors you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound dried red beans
- 1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced smoked ham
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Spices and Liquids:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
- Submerge red beans in cold water overnight, allowing them to plump and soften, which reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- Prepare a flavor foundation by gently sautéing onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic in olive oil until vegetables become translucent and aromatic, approximately 5 minutes over medium heat.
- Enhance the dish’s complexity by introducing traditional Creole spices: bay leaves, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and smoked paprika, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
- Incorporate protein elements including andouille sausage and ham hock, browning them to develop deep, rich undertones and release natural oils.
- Pour in soaked beans and water, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing temperature to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld together slowly.
- Maintain low heat for 2-3 hours, periodically stirring to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking, until beans become creamy and liquid thickens naturally.
- Extract ham hock, carefully shred meat, and reintegrate into the bean mixture, seasoning comprehensively with salt and pepper.
- Present the robust bean mixture atop fluffy white rice, garnishing with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant, traditional Louisiana-style presentation.
Notes
- Soaking beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility, making the dish easier on your stomach.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper – start with less and add more for those who love spicy Cajun flavors.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meat with smoked paprika and add extra vegetables like mushrooms to maintain deep, rich flavor profiles.
- Freeze leftover beans in individual portions for quick, delicious meals later – the flavors actually improve after a day or two of resting.
- Prep Time: 8 hours (soaking overnight)
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Louisiana Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg