Hearty Southern Red Beans and Rice
Indulge in the flavors of the Deep South with this Hearty Southern Red Beans and Rice recipe, inspired by the cherished dishes served at Treebeards' restaurant in Houston. This comforting stew combines tender red kidney beans with smoked sausage and a medley of seasonings, simmered to perfection for a rich and hearty meal. Perfect for casual family dinners or gatherings with friends, serve it over fluffy rice and garnish with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh green onions for a delightful finish. This dish not only warms the heart but also brings people together, making it a favorite at the dinner table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried red kidney beans
1 lb (sorted and washed)
water
2 quarts (for soaking and cooking)
onions
2 medium (chopped)
celery
2 stalks (chopped with leaves)
bell pepper
1/2 large (chopped)
salt
2.5 teaspoons (to taste)
thyme
1.5 teaspoons (dried)
oregano
1.5 teaspoons (dried)
garlic powder
1.25 teaspoons (to taste)
cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
smoked sausage
1 lb (cut into 1/2-inch slices)
Instructions
1
Begin by sorting and rinsing the dried red kidney beans under cold water. Place the beans in a large soup pot and add 2 quarts of cold water. Allow the beans to soak overnight. For a quicker method, bring the beans to a boil, let them simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and allow them to sit, covered, for 1 hour without draining the water.
2
Once the beans have soaked, add the chopped onions, chopped celery, and bell pepper to the pot with the beans. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer for about 1 and a half hours, or until the beans are tender. Remember to avoid stirring the beans too often to maintain their shape.
3
After the beans have softened, stir in the salt, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, and the sliced smoked sausage. Allow the stew to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4
While the beans finish cooking, prepare a pot of rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, serve the rich red beans over the hot rice, and garnish each serving with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions.
5
For a thicker stew, consider removing the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking or mashing a half cup of the beans and stirring them back into the pot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Southern Red Beans and Rice?
It is a comforting Deep South stew combining tender red kidney beans, smoked sausage, and a medley of seasonings served over fluffy rice.
Which restaurant inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the cherished dishes served at Treebeards' restaurant in Houston.
How should I prepare the dried red kidney beans before cooking?
Begin by sorting and rinsing the dried red kidney beans under cold water to remove any debris.
What is the standard soaking method for the beans?
Place the beans in a large soup pot with 2 quarts of cold water and allow them to soak overnight.
Is there a quick-soak method for the beans?
Yes, bring the beans to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit, covered, for 1 hour without draining the water.
What vegetables are added to the beans?
The recipe calls for chopped onions, chopped celery with leaves, and chopped bell pepper.
How long do the beans simmer before adding spices?
The beans and vegetables should simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Why should I avoid stirring the beans too often?
Avoiding frequent stirring helps the kidney beans maintain their shape during the long cooking process.
What spices and herbs are used in this dish?
The seasoning includes salt, dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves.
When should the smoked sausage be added?
Stir in the sliced smoked sausage after the beans have softened, during the final 30 minutes of simmering.
How long is the final simmer?
The stew should simmer for an additional 30 minutes after adding the sausage and spices to allow the flavors to meld.
How should the dish be served?
Serve the rich red beans over a bed of hot, fluffy rice.
What garnishes are recommended?
Garnish each serving with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions.
How can I make the stew thicker?
You can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking or mash a half cup of the beans and stir them back into the pot.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, the tags indicate a vegetarian option is possible by omitting the smoked sausage or using a plant-based alternative.
How much water is needed for the beans?
The recipe requires 2 quarts of cold water for soaking and cooking 1 lb of beans.
How many onions are needed?
You will need 2 medium onions, chopped.
What is the preparation for the celery?
Use 2 stalks of celery and chop them along with their leaves for extra flavor.
How much bell pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a large bell pepper, chopped.
How much cayenne pepper should I add?
Add 3/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or adjust to your personal taste.
How many bay leaves are required?
The recipe uses 2 whole bay leaves.
How should the smoked sausage be sliced?
The 1 lb of smoked sausage should be cut into 1/2-inch slices.
What type of cheese is suggested for topping?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-pot meal as the bean mixture is prepared entirely in a single large soup pot.
What type of beans are used?
This recipe uses 1 lb of dried red kidney beans.
How much garlic powder is in the recipe?
It uses 1.25 teaspoons of garlic powder.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 2.5 teaspoons of salt, adjusted to taste.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for dried thyme and dried oregano.
What is the total estimated simmer time?
The total simmering time is approximately 2 hours (1.5 hours for beans, then 30 minutes with sausage).
Is this dish suitable for gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a hearty meal that is perfect for casual family dinners or gatherings with friends.