Print

Red Beans and Rice

Red Beans and Rice
Print Recipe

This quick and comforting Red Beans and Rice recipe combines hearty red beans, aromatic spices, and fluffy long-grain white rice to deliver a nourishing, flavorful meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a budget-friendly and versatile dish inspired by Southern tradition that can be easily customized to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried red beans (or 2 cans red beans, drained and rinsed for shortcut)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or substitute brown rice)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Rinse the red beans thoroughly. Chop the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic finely. Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces if using. Proper preparation ensures a flavorful and well-textured dish.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and sausage, cooking until the sausage starts to brown and releases its smoky flavor.
  3. Add Beans and Broth: Pour in the rinsed red beans along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Add bay leaves, black pepper, cayenne, and salt to taste. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer to let flavors meld together.
  4. Cook Until Tender: Let beans simmer gently for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and the broth thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for perfect savory balance.
  5. Cook the Rice: While beans simmer, prepare rice according to package instructions. Fluffy rice complements the creamy beans perfectly.
  6. Combine and Serve: Remove bay leaves from beans. Serve the rich red bean mixture over a bed of steaming rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley if desired, and enjoy every comforting bite.

Notes

  • Use canned beans for speed: canned red beans reduce cooking time significantly.
  • Don’t skip the sauté step as it develops deeper flavors.
  • Simmer beans gently on low heat to keep them tender without breaking apart.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper gradually to balance spice level.
  • Allow the dish to rest a few minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: Red Beans and Rice, Quick Dinner, Southern Comfort Food, Hearty Meal, Gluten-Free, Budget-Friendly, One-Pot Meal

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/red-beans-and-rice/