Easy Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe
A quick and easy Louisiana Red Beans and Rice recipe packed with bold Creole flavors, featuring tender beans, spicy andouille sausage, and aromatic veggies. Ready in under 2 hours!
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer
- Large soup pot for soaking beans
Ingredients
Meat
- 12–14 oz andouille sausage cut into 1/4-inch slices (340–400g)
Produce
- 1 large yellow onion diced (1 cup / 150g)
- 2 celery ribs diced (1/2 cup / 100g)
- 1 small red bell pepper diced (1/2 cup / 80g)
- 6 cloves garlic minced (1 tablespoon / 15g)
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish (30g)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh green onions plus more for garnish (15g)
Condiments
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste (5g)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Baking & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (1g)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (0.5g)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (0.5g)
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste (optional) (0.25g)
Oils & Vinegars
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- ½ tablespoon butter (7g)
Pasta & Grains
- ½ cup long grain white or brown rice cooked (240g)
Broth
- 6-7 cups low sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth (1.5–1.75L)
Instructions
Soak the Beans
- Place 1 lb (450g) dry red beans in a large soup pot and cover with 2 inches of water. Soak for 8 hours or overnight.
Cook the Sausage
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sliced andouille sausage, stirring frequently, and brown on both sides for about 5–7 minutes. Remove sausage from the pot and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, melt 1/2 tablespoon butter.
- Add diced onions, celery, and both bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add Seasonings and Broth
- Stir in salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper (optional for heat).
- Pour in 6–7 cups vegetable broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
Add Beans and Simmer
- Drain and rinse the soaked red beans, then add them to the pot along with the cooked sausage and 2 bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until beans are tender.
Final Touches
- Discard the bay leaves. If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash 1/2 cup of beans and stir them back into the pot.
- Adjust seasoning if needed, and stir in chopped parsley and green onions. Let simmer for another 5 minutes.
Serve
- Serve the red beans and sausage over cooked rice, garnishing with extra parsley and green onions.
Notes:
- Lighter Alternatives: For a lighter version, use turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of traditional pork sausage. Reduce the amount of oil used for cooking and opt for low-sodium chicken broth.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, replace white wine with additional chicken broth or a splash of white vinegar for acidity. For a creamier texture without heavy cream, use coconut milk or a splash of almond milk.
- Storage Instructions: Store leftover beans and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the mixture is too thick. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and vegetables for the best flavor and nutritional value. Fresh bell peppers, onions, and celery enhance the dish’s texture and taste.
Quick Tips:
- Thickening the Sauce: To thicken the sauce, mash a portion of the beans with a fork or potato masher before adding them back to the pot. Alternatively, stir in a mixture of flour and water.
- Improving Texture: For a crisper texture, sauté the sausage until it is well-browned before adding it to the beans. This adds a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Special Techniques: For enhanced flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or smoked paprika to the beans as they cook. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper works well.
Side Dish Suggestions:
- Vegetables: Steamed or sautéed green beans or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts complement the hearty nature of the beans and rice.
- Salads: A fresh, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Pasta: For an additional starch, serve with a side of buttery cornbread or a small serving of garlic bread.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Protein: The sausage and beans are excellent sources of protein, supporting muscle health and repair.
- Fiber: Red beans are rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables in the recipe provide essential vitamins like vitamin C and potassium, contributing to overall well-being.
Serving Suggestions:
- Portion Sizes: Serve a generous scoop of beans and rice on a plate, ideally with a side salad or vegetables. This makes a balanced meal.
- Presentation Tips: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Complementary Beverages: Pair with a crisp white wine, iced tea, or a light beer. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing lemon-infused water is a great choice.
Meal Prep Tips:
- Advance Prep: Chop vegetables and sausage ahead of time, and store them in the refrigerator. Cook beans in advance and freeze them in portions for a quick meal later.
- Storage Tips: Prepare the beans and rice up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Customization Ideas:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with a plant-based sausage or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free, including the broth and any added seasonings.
- Dairy-Free: Skip any cheese or dairy-based additions. Use coconut milk as a creamy alternative.
- Add-Ins: For extra flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or a splash of lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste, and add a touch of cilantro for a fresh, vibrant note.
