The BEST Red Beans And Rice Recipe

Savor soulful Southern comfort with hearty red kidney beans and spicy Andouille sausage combined with a vibrant trio of onions, green bell pepper, and celery. Infused with garlic, thyme, cayenne, and smoked paprika, this classic Creole dish delivers a satisfying burst of deep, rich flavor. Perfect for any home kitchen.

I’m excited to share my version of the BEST Red Beans And Rice that packs a punch with authentic Southern flavor. I start with 1 lb of dried red kidney beans that have been soaked overnight, then combine them with 1 lb of spicy Andouille sausage sliced into rounds.

I also add a large chopped onion, diced green bell pepper and 3 celery stalks to build a solid flavor base. The dish gets even better with 4 garlic cloves minced, along with 2 bay leaves and 1 tsp of dried thyme, then I spice it up with 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.

I use 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 2 tbsp of vegetable oil to bring everything together. It’s a straightforward, low-effort recipe thats perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.

I like serving it over 2 cups of cooked white rice to soak up all the rich flavors. Enjoy this comfort food classic that’s truly worth trying!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because the beans get super tender and soak up all the awesome flavors from the sausage and spices that make every bite interesting. I really enjoy how the spicy Andouille sausage brings a deep, smoky kick that reminds me of good old Southern cooking. I also love how simple it is to make; even on a busy day, the process is pretty straightforward and makes me feel like i accomplished something good in the kitchen. And finally, I appreciate that it’s a pretty flexible recipe so i can tweak the spices if i want a little more heat or extra flavor depending on my mood.

Ingredients

This recipe is a delightful mix of hearty beans and vibrant spices that creates a comforting meal with bold flavor.

Each ingredient has its own role, helping make the dish both nutritious and tasty.

• Red kidney beans give fibre and protein for a hearty, filling base.
• Andouille sausage brings spicy flavor, protein, and a smoky kick.
• Onion provides sweetness and aroma while adding moisture and flavor complexity.
• Green bell pepper adds crisp texture and tangy freshness, boosting vitamins and color.
• Celery gives crunchiness and a slight bitter edge, balancing spicier ingredients.
• Garlic intensifies flavors with its bold aroma and health benefits in every clove.

Together, these ingredients create a satisfying dish that warms the soul and pleases every palate.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb dried red kidney beans (soaked overnight)
• 1 lb spicy Andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)

How to Make this

1. Begin by draining the soaked red kidney beans and rinse them well. Set them aside.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and diced celery. Cook them until they start softening, about 5 minutes.

3. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced spicy Andouille sausage. Sauté for another 3 minutes until the sausage gets a little browned.

4. Stir in the drained red beans along with the bay leaves, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika.

5. Pour in the 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, or water if you prefer, and bring the whole mixture to a simmer.

6. Lower the heat and let the beans and sausage cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beans should become nice and tender.

7. Check the seasoning and add salt and black pepper to taste.

8. Once the beans are soft and the flavors meld together, toss out the bay leaves.

9. Serve generous ladles of your red beans and sausage over 2 cups of cooked white rice.

10. Enjoy your classic Southern comfort food and share if you can (or keep it all to yourself)!

Equipment Needed

1. A colander or strainer to drain and rinse the soaked kidney beans
2. A sturdy cutting board for chopping the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic
3. A chef’s knife for dicing and mincing all the vegetables and slicing the sausage
4. A large pot for cooking the beans and sausage together
5. Measuring cups and spoons to accurately portion out spices and broth
6. A long-handled stirring spoon to mix ingredients during cooking
7. A ladle for serving the finished dish over cooked rice
8. A pot or rice cooker to prepare the 2 cups of white rice if not already made

FAQ

The BEST Red Beans And Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have dried red kidney beans, you can use canned kidney beans but reduce the liquid slightly since they’re already cooked
• If spicy Andouille sausage is hard to find, you can use smoked sausage or even chorizo for a similar kick
• If you dont have green bell pepper, try using red or yellow bell peppers instead for a sweeter taste
• If low-sodium chicken broth is missing from your pantry, regular chicken broth or vegetable broth works pretty well

Pro Tips

1. When soaking the beans, make sure they’re rinsed real well after their overnight bath cause leftover dirt can mess with the flavors later on.
2. Brown the sausage properly; if you crowd the pan it won’t get that nice caramelized flavor so do it in batches if you have to.
3. Add the garlic at just the right time – too soon and it might burn, too late and its flavor might not mix in well, so keep an eye on it.
4. Taste and adjust the seasonings near the end because the long simmer can mellow the spices out more than you expect.