Red beans and rice is a classic and beloved dish in the southern United States, particularly in Louisiana where it is a staple cuisine. This hearty and flavorful meal has been passed down from generation to generation, and for good reason - it's delicious, nutritious, and easy to make!
The dish typically consists of red kidney beans simmered with spices, vegetables, and sausage, served over a bed of fluffy white rice. There are many variations of this dish, but the basic recipe remains the same. Here's how you can make your own delicious red beans and rice at home:
Tips and Variations
Tips:
Soak your beans overnight - this will help them cook faster and more evenly.
Use smoked sausage or Andouille sausage for a smoky flavor.
Use fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaves for added depth of flavor.
Don't skimp on the celery, onions, and bell peppers - they're essential for a classic Creole flavor.
For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans in the pot with a fork or spoon.
Variations:
Vegetarian Red Beans and Rice - skip the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
Seafood Red Beans and Rice - add shrimp or crawfish to the pot in the last few minutes of cooking.
Spicy Red Beans and Rice - add some diced jalapenos or cayenne pepper to the pot for some extra heat.
Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice - soak your beans overnight and then add all of the ingredients to your slow cooker. Simmer the beans on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until they are soft.
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice - soak your beans overnight and then add all of the ingredients to your Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes and then do a natural release for 10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 stalks of celery, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups water
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- Optional: hot sauce, chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Soak the red kidney beans overnight in water. Drain the beans and rinse them before cooking.
In a large pot, sauté the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until the vegetables are tender.
Sliced sausage should be added to the pot and cooked until browned.
Add the red kidney beans, salt, black pepper, thyme, bay leaves, and water to the pot. After bringing it to a boil, turn down the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beans are tender.
Serve the red beans and sausage over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with hot sauce and chopped green onions, if desired.
This recipe makes enough for 6-8 servings, so it's perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep. It's also easy to customize by adding different vegetables or meats, such as ham or andouille sausage.
Red beans and rice is a filling and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a family gathering, this classic southern recipe is sure to be a hit!