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Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage

Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage
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Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage is a classic Cajun dish featuring creamy red kidney beans, smoky Andouille sausage, and aromatic vegetables cooked in flavorful spices and chicken broth, served over fluffy white rice. This hearty, soul-warming meal is ready in under an hour and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Sausage

  • 1 cup dried red kidney beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 8 oz Andouille sausage, sliced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Rice

  • 1 cup white long grain rice

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the “Holy Trinity”: Finely chop the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Heat a large pot over medium heat, add a bit of oil, and sauté these vegetables for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant, building the flavor base of the dish.
  2. Brown the Andouille Sausage: Add sliced Andouille sausage to the pot and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, releasing smoky flavors and fats into the mixture.
  3. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toast the spices gently for 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic, to enhance their aromas.
  4. Add Beans and Broth: Drain and rinse dried (or canned) kidney beans, then add them to the pot along with bay leaves and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  5. Simmer Until Creamy: Reduce heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let the beans simmer gently for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the mixture thickens to a stew-like consistency.
  6. Cook the Rice: While beans simmer, prepare the white rice according to package instructions, ensuring it turns out fluffy and not mushy.
  7. Combine and Finish: Discard the bay leaves. Stir chopped fresh parsley into the beans and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the hot, rich red beans ladled over the fluffy white rice.

Notes

  • Use dried beans when possible for better texture and flavor; soak overnight for quicker cooking.
  • Don’t skip the “holy trinity” vegetables to ensure authentic Cajun flavor.
  • Simmer beans gently to maintain a creamy texture without breaking them apart.
  • Toasting spices before simmering intensifies their flavor significantly.
  • Add a splash of hot sauce just before serving for an extra layer of heat and tang.

Nutrition

Keywords: Red Beans and Rice, Andouille Sausage, Cajun Recipe, One-Pot Meal, Comfort Food, Southern Cooking

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/red-beans-and-rice-with-andouille-sausage/