Louisiana Style Red Beans and Rice Recipe | #SoulFoodSunday

andouille sausage

🥗Healthier: chicken sausage

💰Cheaper: smoked sausage

Chicken sausage reduces fat while maintaining flavor.

red beans

🥗Healthier: kidney beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Kidney beans are similar in taste and texture.

green bell pepper

🥗Healthier: yellow bell pepper

💰Cheaper: frozen mixed peppers

Frozen peppers are convenient and often cheaper.

andouille sausage

🥗Healthier: turkey sausage

💰Cheaper: pork sausage

Turkey sausage is lower in calories.

Start by measuring 6 cups of water using a pyrex measuring cup.

Cut 3 links of andouille sausage into quarters.

Prepare the trinity: chop green bell pepper, onion, and celery.

Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to a dutch oven and heat it over medium heat.

Add the andouille sausage to the pot and brown it, ensuring not to overcook it.

Once browned, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside in the refrigerator.

Drain the grease from the pot, keeping the flavor residue.

Return the pot to medium heat and add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery; sauté for about 2 minutes.

After 2 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Add the remaining dry ingredients: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon black pepper; mix well for about 1-2 minutes.

Rinse the pre-soaked red beans and add them to the pot.

Pour in the 6 cups of water and stir to combine all ingredients.

Add the 3 bay leaves, ensuring they are submerged in the mixture.

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low to simmer.

Set a timer for 1 hour, checking halfway through to stir and ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom.

After 1 hour, check the beans for desired softness.

Use a ladle to take some beans out and mash them down to create a creamy texture, then stir them back into the pot.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: