The Best Southern-Style Red Beans and Rice Comfort Bowl
Get ready to indulge in a hearty, comforting bowl of Southern goodness! This traditional Red Beans and Rice recipe is a staple of Southern cuisine, packed with tender red beans, flavorful andouille sausage, and a hint of spice. Serve it over a bed of warm rice, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Ingredients:( Servings: 6)
1 lb dried red kidney beans
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon thyme
2 bay leaves
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups cooked white rice
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Soak the dried red beans in water overnight. Rinse and drain before cooking.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, green bell pepper, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and sliced sausage, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the soaked red beans, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, bay leaves, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Add more water if needed during cooking.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Serve the red beans over a bed of cooked white rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
Tips and Tricks
1. Use dried red beans: Dried red beans are a staple in Southern cuisine and have a more robust flavor than canned beans.
2. Soak the beans overnight: Soaking the beans overnight can help reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest.
3. Use andouille sausage for flavor: Andouille sausage adds a smoky, spicy flavor to the dish that’s quintessentially Southern.
4. Don’t overcook the beans: Cook the beans until they’re tender, but still slightly firm. Overcooking can make them mushy and unappetizing.
5. Add a ham hock for extra flavor: A ham hock can add a rich, savory flavor to the dish that’s hard to replicate with other ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 450-500
Protein: 25-30g
Fat: 20-25g
Saturated Fat: 5-7g
Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Fiber: 5-7g
Sugar: 5-7g