Description
A classic New Orleans-Style Red Beans and Rice recipe featuring tender red beans slow-cooked with smoked sausage and aromatic vegetables, perfectly seasoned with thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper. This hearty and comforting dish captures the rich flavors of Creole cuisine and is served over fluffy cooked rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Vegetables
- 1 pound dried red beans
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
Protein
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
Serving
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse the red beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Soak the beans overnight in a large pot filled with water to soften them and reduce cooking time.
- Cook the Beans Base: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook the vegetables until they are softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook the mixture for an additional 2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Simmer the Beans: Add the drained beans back into the pot and pour in enough water to cover them by about 2 inches. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy.
- Add Sausage: Once the beans are tender, add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Continue simmering the mixture for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaves and taste the beans, adjusting salt and seasoning as needed. Serve the savory red beans and smoked sausage hot over cooked rice for a traditional New Orleans meal.
Notes
- Soaking the beans overnight reduces cooking time and enhances digestibility.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Smoked sausage can be substituted with Andouille sausage for more authentic Creole flavor.
- Leftover beans taste even better the next day and make great leftovers.
- Use low-sodium broth instead of water to add deeper flavor.
