Classic Southern Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound of dried red kidney beans
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 pound of andouille sausage, sliced
2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon of hot sauce
7 cups of chicken broth
4 cups of cooked white rice
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Steps and instructions

Rinse the red kidney beans under cold water and set them aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery to the pot and cook until they soften, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the sliced andouille sausage to the pot and cook until lightly browned.
Add the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and bay leaves to the pot and stir to combine.
Add the rinsed beans, hot sauce, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let the beans cook for about 2 hours, or until they are soft and the flavors have melded together.
Remove the bay leaves from the pot and use a spoon or a potato masher to mash some of the beans. This will thicken the sauce.
Serve the red beans over cooked white rice and garnish with chopped green onions and parsley.

Tools for making

Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the red beans and rice.
Spoon or potato masher - A spoon or potato masher is used to mash some of the beans and thicken the sauce.
Knife - A knife is needed to chop the onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic.
Cutting board - A cutting board is used to safely chop the vegetables.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are necessary to accurately measure the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and hot sauce.
Measuring cups - Measuring cups are needed to measure the chicken broth and cooked white rice.
Stove - A stove will be used to cook the red beans and rice.
Serving bowls - Serving bowls are needed to serve the finished red beans and rice.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Variation: Omit the andouille sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Smoked Sausage Variation: Substitute the andouille sausage with smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Variation: Increase the amount of hot sauce or add chopped jalapenos or cayenne pepper to give the dish an extra kick.
Seafood Variation: Add cooked shrimp, crab, or crawfish to the red beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a delicious seafood twist.
Vegetable Variation: Make it a hearty vegetarian dish by omitting the meat and adding a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and okra.
Smoky Bacon Variation: Cook some bacon until crispy, crumble it, and add it to the red beans for a smoky and savory flavor.
Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs like fresh thyme, oregano, or basil to add a unique taste to the dish.
Slow Cooker Variation: Follow the same steps but instead of cooking on the stovetop, transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
Spicy Rice Variation: Cook the white rice with some spices like turmeric, cumin, or paprika to infuse it with extra flavor.
Gluten-Free Variation: Use gluten-free Cajun seasoning and make sure to choose gluten-free sausage if necessary.

Recipe overview

This Red Beans and Rice recipe is a classic Southern dish that is full of flavor and comfort. A combination of hearty red kidney beans, aromatic vegetables, spicy andouille sausage, and fragrant spices simmered together to create a deliciously rich and satisfying meal. After slow-cooking, the dish is served over a bed of white rice, and garnished with fresh green onions and parsley, adding a fresh touch to this cozy dish. This recipe might take a few hours to come together, but it's mostly hands-off cooking time, and the end result is absolutely worth the wait. It's perfect for a leisurely weekend dinner and the leftovers are even better the next day. So, get your ingredients ready, and let's bring some Southern charm to your kitchen!

Common questions

Can I use canned kidney beans instead of dried beans? - Yes, you can use canned kidney beans if you're short on time. However, using dried beans and soaking them overnight will yield a more traditional and flavorful result.
What can I use as a substitute for andouille sausage? - If you can't find andouille sausage, you can substitute it with smoked sausage or any other spicy smoked sausage variety.
Is this recipe spicy? - The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference. The Cajun seasoning and hot sauce add some heat, but you can reduce the amount or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? - Absolutely! You can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version of red beans and rice.
How long can I store the leftovers? - The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Can I freeze the red beans and rice? - Yes, you can freeze the red beans and rice. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I serve this dish without rice? - While red beans and rice is traditionally served together, you can enjoy the red beans on their own or pair them with crusty bread or cornbread.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - A large pot is necessary for cooking the beans and other ingredients.
Spoon or potato masher - A spoon or potato masher will be useful for mashing some of the beans to thicken the sauce.
Cooking utensils - Various cooking utensils like spatulas, tongs, and ladles are handy for stirring, flipping, and serving the food.
Knife - A knife is needed for chopping the onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic.
Cutting board - A cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping ingredients.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately add the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and hot sauce.
Bowls or plates - Bowls or plates are necessary for serving the red beans and rice.
Garnish serving dishes - Small dishes or bowls can be used for holding the chopped green onions and parsley for garnishing.

Origin stories

Red Beans and Rice is a dish deeply rooted in New Orleans culture. Traditionally eaten on Mondays, the dish offered a practical solution for utilizing leftover pork bones from Sunday dinners. As the laundry was done on Mondays, a pot of beans could sit on the stove and simmer all day, with the bones providing a rich depth of flavor. This culinary tradition has evolved into a beloved and iconic dish, embodying the rich and vibrant spirit of New Orleans in each delicious bite. Today, different proteins like andouille sausage are often used, but the soul of the dish remains the same, a testament to the resilient and resourceful spirit of the city. So, remember, when you're making Red Beans and Rice, you're not just preparing a meal, you're taking part in a time-honored tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.