Savory Cajun Red Beans and Rice
Experience the deep, comforting flavors of Louisiana with this Savory Cajun Red Beans and Rice recipe. A perfect blend of tender, smoky andouille sausage, creamy red kidney beans, and aromatic vegetables simmer together to create a hearty dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. This recipe captures the essence of Southern cooking, rooted in traditions handed down through generations. Serve it with a splash of cider vinegar for brightness and a dash of Tabasco sauce for those who appreciate an extra kick. Ideal for family gatherings and weekday meals alike, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried kidney beans
1 lb (rinsed and soaked overnight)
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
large onion
1 (chopped)
green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
minced garlic
2 tablespoons (none)
stalks celery
2 (chopped)
water
6 cups (for beans)
bay leaves
2 (none)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
dried sage
1/4 teaspoon (none)
dried parsley
1 tablespoon (none)
cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
andouille sausage
1 lb (sliced)
water
4 cups (for rice)
long grain white rice
2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the dried kidney beans thoroughly. Soak them in a large pot of water overnight to soften them for cooking.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, and chopped celery. Sauté the mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3
After soaking, rinse the beans again and transfer them to a large pot. Add 6 cups of water to the pot, along with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Stir in the bay leaves, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried sage, dried parsley, and Cajun seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for approximately 2 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
4
Once the beans are tender, add the sliced andouille sausage into the pot. Continue to simmer the beans and sausage together for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
While the beans are simmering, prepare the rice. In a separate saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the long grain white rice, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is fluffy and cooked through.
6
To serve, spoon generous portions of the hearty red beans and sausage mixture over the steamed rice. Encourage guests to add a splash of cider vinegar and their desired amount of Tabasco sauce for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The main dish is Savory Cajun Red Beans and Rice, a classic Louisiana-style comfort food.
What type of beans are used?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dried kidney beans.
Do the beans need preparation before cooking?
Yes, the dried kidney beans should be rinsed and soaked in water overnight to soften.
What meat is included in this Cajun dish?
The recipe uses 1 lb of sliced andouille sausage for a smoky flavor.
What vegetables make up the aromatic base?
The base consists of a large onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The vegetables are sautéed in 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How much water is needed to cook the beans?
You will need 6 cups of water for the beans.
What spices provide the heat in this recipe?
Heat is provided by 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
What herbs are added to the bean mixture?
The herbs include 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of dried sage, and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.
How long should the beans simmer before adding the sausage?
The beans should simmer for approximately 2.5 hours until they are tender.
When should the andouille sausage be added?
Add the sliced sausage once the beans are tender and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
What type of rice is served with the beans?
The dish is served with long grain white rice.
How much rice and water are needed for the side?
Use 2 cups of long grain white rice and 4 cups of water.
How long does the rice take to cook?
The rice takes about 20 minutes to simmer once the heat is reduced to low.
What is the suggested condiment for adding brightness to the dish?
A splash of cider vinegar is recommended for adding brightness.
What is recommended for those who want an extra spicy kick?
A dash of Tabasco sauce is suggested for extra heat.
How many stalks of celery are used?
The recipe calls for 2 stalks of chopped celery.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is rinsing the dried kidney beans and soaking them overnight.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
Sauté the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and celery for about 3 to 4 minutes.
Should the beans be rinsed again after soaking?
Yes, the beans should be rinsed again after soaking and before being transferred to the pot.
What temperature should the beans be cooked at initially?
The mixture should be brought to a boil before reducing the heat to medium-low.
Is the rice cooked in the same pot as the beans?
No, the rice is prepared in a separate saucepan.
What is the total estimated simmering time for the beans?
The total simmering time is about 3 hours (2.5 hours for beans alone, plus 30 minutes with sausage).
How many bay leaves are removed or used?
The recipe uses 2 bay leaves to flavor the bean mixture.
What kind of bell pepper is used?
One green bell pepper, chopped, is used in this recipe.
What is the texture of the final bean dish?
The dish is described as hearty and creamy.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser ideal for family gatherings and weekday meals.
What is the origin of this recipe's flavors?
The recipe captures the essence of Southern cooking and Louisiana traditions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients listed in this recipe.