louisiana style red beans and rice recipe

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The Best louisiana style red beans and rice recipe

I’ve been cooking Louisiana-style red beans and rice for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to please my family and me. This hearty dish has its roots in the Gullah Geechee culture, which brought enslaved West Africans to the Americas.

The recipe is simple yet flavorful, with the sweetness of the beans and the savory taste of the rice making it a perfect meal for any occasion. I love how this recipe can be cooked in large quantities, making it ideal for family gatherings or even a week’s worth of meals for my busy household.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and some basic kitchen skills.

My kids adore helping me cook this recipe, and they always get excited when they see the finished product. In fact, my youngest son has been known to request ‘red beans and rice’ as his go-to comfort food.

I must admit, I’m a bit biased towards this recipe – but it’s hard not to love something so rich in history and culture. Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit our tastes, but the core elements remain the same: red kidney beans cooked in a flavorful broth with onions, garlic, and bell peppers, served over a bed of fluffy white rice.

Whether we’re having a special occasion or just need a quick weeknight dinner, Louisiana-style red beans and rice is always a good idea.

Louisiana Style Red Beans and Rice

Louisiana Style Red Beans and Rice

4.8 from 670 votes

A classic Louisiana dish featuring red beans simmered with andouille sausage, served over fluffy rice. This recipe is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a hearty meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Red Beans

1 lb dried red beans
1 large onion, chopped
1 large bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Rice

2 cups long-grain white rice
4 cups water
1 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the dried red beans under cold water and pick out any debris or stones.
2Place the beans in a large pot and cover with water.
3Bring to a boil over high heat.
4Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let the beans soak for 1 hour.
5Drain and rinse the beans.
6In the same pot, add the andouille sausage.
7Cook over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
8Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery.
9Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
10Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
11Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
12Stir to combine.
13Add the drained and rinsed red beans.
14Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
15Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender.
16If the mixture becomes too thick, thin it out with a little water.
17While the beans are cooking, prepare the rice.
18Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
19In a separate pot, combine the rice, water, and salt.
20Bring to a boil over high heat.
21Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
22Once the beans are tender, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
23Serve the red beans over the cooked rice.
24Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
25Enjoy your Louisiana Style Red Beans and Rice.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute smoked sausage for andouille. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the red beans. For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Watch Video Of How Louisiana Style Red Beans and Rice Works

This Louisiana-style red beans and rice recipe is one that I turn to again and again when I need something comforting yet easy to make. It’s perfect for serving at family gatherings or even just whipping up on a busy weeknight when you want something satisfying without too much fuss.

And let’s be honest – who doesn’t love leftovers? With this recipe, you’ll have enough leftovers for at least two more meals if not more.

Simply refrigerate or freeze your leftovers as needed – then reheat them whenever you need another delicious meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Style Red Beans and Rice

Q1: What type of beans should I use for this recipe?

A1: For this Louisiana-style red beans and rice recipe, you’ll want to use red kidney beans. These are available at most grocery stores and have a distinctive flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Q2: Can I substitute other types of rice?

A2: While regular long-grain white rice is traditional in this dish, you can experiment with other types like brown rice or even cauliflower ‘rice’ for a low-carb option.

Q3: Do I need any special equipment for cooking this recipe?

A3: No special equipment is required beyond a large pot or Dutch oven with a lid – though if you do have one of those fancy slow cookers that can handle stovetop use, feel free to give it a try!

Q4: How do I store leftover red beans and rice?

A4: You can store leftover red beans and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months.

Q5: Can I reheat red beans and rice in the microwave?

A5: Yes – simply place your desired portion size in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 30-60 seconds or until hot throughout.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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