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Hearty Red Beans and Rice with Smoked Sausage

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A comforting and authentic recipe featuring slow-simmered red beans and smoky sausage served over fluffy white rice. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (190g) dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight or quick soaked
  • 12 oz (340g) smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille or kielbasa preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups (950 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 cups (600g) cooked white rice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup dried red kidney beans under cold water. Soak overnight in plenty of water or quick soak by boiling for 2 minutes, then letting sit covered for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add minced garlic and sliced smoked sausage. Cook for another 5 minutes until sausage browns lightly and releases aroma.
  4. Add soaked beans and 4 cups chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Add 2 bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and partially cover. Simmer for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and liquid thickens. Add water or broth if too dry.
  7. Remove bay leaves. Mash a few beans against the pot side with the back of a spoon to thicken the dish.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot over 3 cups cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Notes

Use firm, small-curd smoked sausage for best texture. For gluten-free, check sausage labels or use smoked turkey sausage. Low and slow simmering is key for tender beans and rich flavor. Stir gently to keep beans intact. Adjust seasoning at the end to brighten flavors. Leftovers taste better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: red beans and rice, smoked sausage, hearty stew, Cajun recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, authentic flavor

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/hearty-red-beans-and-rice-with-smoked-sausage-easy-homemade-recipe-for-authentic-flavor/