Description
Authentic Cajun Red Beans and Rice is a hearty dish that celebrates Cajun culture and community, featuring creamy red beans, smoky sausage, and vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans
- ½ pound bacon (diced)
- 1 pound andouille or smoked sausage (sliced)
- 1 ½ cups diced onions (about 2 medium onions)
- 1 cup diced celery (2–3 stalks)
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper (1 large bell pepper)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 10 cups chicken stock
- ¼–½ pound smoked ham (diced)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ cup thinly sliced green onion shoots (divided)
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley (divided)
Instructions
- Soak the beans overnight in cold water.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Add the sliced sausage to the pot and sear until browned on both sides.
- Add diced onions, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot and sauté until onions are translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Return bacon and sausage to the pot, add soaked beans, chicken stock, diced ham, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Let it cook uncovered for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the rice by rinsing it under cold water, then cooking it in boiling water for 15-20 minutes.
- Once beans are tender, stir in remaining green onions and parsley, and serve over rice.
Notes
- Soak beans overnight for best results.
- Use quality ingredients for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- This dish tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400-450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
- Fat: 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: 3-5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7-10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60-65g
- Fiber: 15-18g
- Protein: 20-25g
- Cholesterol: 30-50mg