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Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice (Stovetop)

A close-up of a bowl of savory red beans and rice topped with sliced sausage and fresh parsley.
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Make classic Creole red beans and rice from scratch using smoked sausage and the holy trinity. This recipe follows the traditional Louisiana style with no tomatoes, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed and picked over
  • 8 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 smoked sausage link (like Andouille), sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion (part of the holy trinity)
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery (part of the holy trinity)
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (part of the holy trinity)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed red beans in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until beans begin to soften. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
  2. Add the sliced smoked sausage, onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
  3. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for another 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are very tender and creamy. Add more water if the mixture becomes too thick.
  4. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a thicker consistency, mash about 1 cup of the beans against the side of the pot.
  5. Serve the red beans hot over mounds of fluffy white rice.

Notes

  • This recipe captures the authentic Louisiana flavor profile, which typically omits tomatoes.
  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute the smoked sausage with a ham hock and remove it before serving.
  • If you prefer a quicker method, transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker after the initial 1-hour simmer and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/red-beans-and-rice-authentic-louisiana-recipe/