Louisiana Red Beans and Rice (Print-Friendly Recipe)

Smoky red beans, sausage, and vegetables cooked slow, served over fluffy rice for a Southern favorite.

# Ingredients List:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight
02 - 1 pound smoked sausage, turkey or beef, sliced
03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 2 bay leaves

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
14 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
15 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

→ To Serve

16 - 2 cups cooked white rice
17 - Chopped green onions, for garnish
18 - Hot sauce, for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Place dried red kidney beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Allow to soak overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. Drain and rinse before use.
02 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage; cook for about 5 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside. In the same pot, add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add soaked beans, bay leaves, and water or chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. For pressure cooking, cook on high pressure for 45 minutes and allow natural pressure release.
04 - When the beans are tender, use the back of a spoon to mash some beans against the side of the pot to enhance creaminess and thicken the mixture.
05 - Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir in Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to blend flavors thoroughly.
06 - Remove bay leaves. Ladle the red beans and sausage over cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and a splash of hot sauce as desired.

# Extra Information:

01 - Soaking dried beans overnight not only shortens the cooking time but also improves their texture and digestibility.
02 - Adjust cayenne pepper for your preferred spice level, and use turkey sausage for a lighter option.

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