This authentic Red Beans and Rice is a quintessential Cajun comfort dish, brimming with smoky, savory flavors. Tender red kidney beans simmer slowly with smoked sausage, creating a rich, hearty stew that pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice. The blend of classic “holy trinity” vegetables&# 226;ÂÂonions, celery, and bell peppersâÂÂalong with robust spices like thyme, oregano, and cayenne, delivers a deep, satisfying taste profile. Ideal for weekend brunches or cozy weeknight dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and offers excellent make-ahead potential, as the flavors deepen overnight. ItâÂÂs a vegetarian-friendly staple that brings warmth and tradition to any table.
Red Beans And Rice
Description
This authentic Red Beans and Rice is a quintessential Cajun comfort dish, brimming with smoky, savory flavors. Tender red kidney beans simmer slowly with smoked sausage, creating a rich, hearty stew that pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice. The blend of classic "holy trinity" vegetables&# 226;ÂÂonions, celery, and bell peppersâÂÂalong with robust spices like thyme, oregano, and cayenne, delivers a deep, satisfying taste profile. Ideal for weekend brunches or cozy weeknight dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and offers excellent make-ahead potential, as the flavors deepen overnight. ItâÂÂs a vegetarian-friendly staple that brings warmth and tradition to any table.Ingredients
Directions
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Sort and wash the dry red kidney beans, removing any debris.
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Cover beans with water at least 2 inches above the beans and soak overnight.
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Drain the soaked beans just before cooking.
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Place ham hocks (if using), drained beans, chopped celery, onions, green bell peppers, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, and pepper in a large stockpot.
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Add ample water to cover the beans by 1 to 2 inches.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until beans are tender but not falling apart.
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Remove ham hocks and pick meat from the bones, discarding the bones.
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Add smoked sausage (cut into 3/4-inch pieces) and Tabasco sauce to the pot.
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Continue cooking until the sausage is heated through and beans begin to break up slightly, thickening the stew.
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Stir in the reserved ham meat and season with salt to taste.
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Serve hot over cooked rice.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 144.1kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.6g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 2.3mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 25.0g9%
- Dietary Fiber 7.3g30%
- Sugars 2.4g
- Protein 9.9g20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a vegan version, omit the ham hocks and smoked sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dish often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.
If you don't have time to soak the beans overnight, you can use the quick-soak method: cover beans with boiling water, let sit for 1 hour, then drain.
Adjust the amount of Tabasco and cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
