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Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe


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4.3 from 82 reviews

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Dairy-Free

Description

This Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice recipe is a beloved Creole classic featuring slow-simmered red beans cooked with hearty andouille sausage, aromatic vegetables, and traditional spices. The dish finishes with a perfect serving over fluffy white rice, delivering comforting, rich flavors that represent the soul of Louisiana cuisine.


Ingredients

Beans and Sausage

  • 1 lb dried red beans
  • 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 34 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 6 cups water or broth
  • 12 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Serving

  • Cooked white rice, for serving


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: Rinse the dried red beans thoroughly and soak them overnight in water to soften. For a quicker method, perform a quick-soak by boiling the beans for 2 minutes, then letting them rest covered for an hour.
  2. Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the sliced andouille sausage until browned. Add in the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic, cooking until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add Beans and Seasonings: Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot with the sausage and vegetables. Pour in 6 cups of water or broth, then add the bay leaves, thyme, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Simmer the Beans: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and cook until the beans are very tender and the liquid becomes creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed during cooking.
  5. Finish and Serve: For an extra creamy texture, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot and stir. Remove bay leaves. Serve the red beans hot over fluffy cooked white rice. Optionally, add hot sauce to taste for some heat.

Notes

  • Mashing part of the beans during cooking creates a creamier texture and thicker sauce.
  • Add your favorite hot sauce or cayenne pepper to give the dish a spicy kick.
  • Using broth instead of water adds more depth of flavor to the beans.
  • Serve with crusty French bread or cornbread for a complete Louisiana-inspired meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Creole / Louisiana