New Orleans Red Beans and Rice

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.

Fry bacon in a skillet over medium heat until browned but not crisp, then remove from skillet and place on a paper towel-covered plate, reserving 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pan.

Saute onion and garlic in the drippings until the onion is tender and soft but not brown.

Add enough water to the beef broth to make 2.5 cups of liquid, then add it to the skillet and mix together; bring to a boil.

Once boiling, stir in rice, thyme, salt, and bacon; mix well, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Mix in green bell peppers, cover, and continue cooking for 5 minutes.

Remove skillet from heat and stir in drained beans; cover and let stand for 5 minutes until all liquid has been absorbed.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: