Red Beans and Rice No Way This Is Too Good
Prepare to savor the ultimate Southern comfort food with "Red Beans and Rice No Way This Is Too Good"! This deeply flavorful, one-pot meal combines creamy, slow-simmered red kidney beans with smoky sausage, aromatic vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and celery, and a bold blend of spices including smoked paprika, cayenne, and thyme. Simmered to perfection in rich broth, the tender beans are served atop fluffy white rice, creating a hearty dish that's as satisfying as it is delicious. Ideal for cozy family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize with fresh herbs, green onions, or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, this iconic New Orleans-inspired dish will have everyone coming back for seconds! Perfectly suited for keywords like "red beans and rice recipe," "Cajun comfort food," and "easy Southern meals," this dish is a must-try for food lovers everywhere.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans
- 12 ounces smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1.5 cups white rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- to taste hot sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Rinse the dried red kidney beans under cold water and sort through to remove any debris or bad beans.
Place the beans in a large bowl, cover with water (about 2-3 inches above the beans), and let soak overnight. Alternatively, do a quick soak by bringing the beans and water to a boil for 2 minutes, then letting sit for 1 hour.
Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook the sausage until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes over medium heat until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds to toast the spices.
Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then add them to the pot along with the browned sausage and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and creamy. If the mixture gets too thick, add a bit of water or broth to loosen.
While the beans are cooking, prepare the rice. In a medium saucepan, combine white rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to a low simmer, cover tightly, and cook for 18-20 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Once the beans are done, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cayenne if needed.
Serve the beans over a bed of rice, garnished with chopped green onions and parsley if desired. Add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat, if preferred.
Enjoy your Red Beans and Rice No Way This Is Too Good!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
542 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.4 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 39 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1697 mg | 74% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 69.0 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.6 g | ||
| Protein | 30.4 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 180 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 8.1 mg | 45% | |
| Potassium | 1428 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
