Description
This classic New Orleans-Style Red Beans and Rice recipe features tender red beans slow-simmered with smoked sausage and a fragrant mix of vegetables and spices. Perfectly seasoned with thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves, these beans are served over fluffy cooked rice for a hearty and comforting Southern meal.
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
Meat
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
Serving
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse the red beans thoroughly under cold water. Soak them overnight in a large pot filled with water to help soften and shorten cooking time.
- Cook the Beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Spices and Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook the mixture for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to become fragrant.
- Simmer the Beans: Add the drained soaked beans to the pot along with enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and starting to break down.
- Add the Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Continue to simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors and heat the sausage through.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the pot and adjust seasoning with additional salt or cayenne pepper if desired. Serve the red beans and sausage mixture hot over prepared cooked rice.
Notes
- Soaking the beans overnight softens them and decreases cooking time.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- You can use smoked turkey sausage as a healthier alternative to traditional smoked sausage.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread on the side.
