Savory Creole Black Beans and Smoked Sausage Delight
Experience the rich, vibrant flavors of the South with this Savory Creole Black Beans and Smoked Sausage Delight. This hearty dish combines succulent smoked sausage with tender black beans and a medley of colorful vegetables, all simmered to perfection with aromatic spices. Perfect for gatherings or as a comforting weeknight meal, it pairs beautifully with hot, fluffy rice. Your family and friends will love the warmth and depth of flavor that this classic Creole dish brings to the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
smoked sausage
2 lbs (cut into 1-inch slices)
black beans
3 (15 ounce) cans (rinsed and drained)
onion
1 - 1 1/2 cups (chopped)
celery
1 - 1 1/2 cups (chopped)
green pepper
1 - 1 1/2 cups (chopped)
water
1 cup
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can
garlic
4 cloves (minced)
dried thyme
2 teaspoons
chicken bouillon granule
1 teaspoon
white pepper
1 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
bay leaves
2
hot cooked rice
(for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and brown the sliced smoked sausage until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2
Transfer the browned sausage to a 5-quart slow cooker.
3
In a separate large bowl, combine the rinsed and drained black beans, chopped onion, celery, and green pepper. Add water, tomato sauce, minced garlic, dried thyme, chicken bouillon granules, white pepper, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
4
Carefully pour the bean and vegetable mixture over the sausage in the slow cooker, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
5
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
6
Once cooking is complete, remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir the mixture gently to combine before serving.
7
Serve hot over a bed of hot cooked rice for a delightful and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Creole Black Beans and Smoked Sausage Delight?
It is a hearty, Southern-inspired dish that combines succulent smoked sausage with tender black beans and a medley of colorful vegetables, simmered in a slow cooker with aromatic Creole spices.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 pounds of smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch slices.
How should I prepare the smoked sausage before adding it to the slow cooker?
You should brown the sliced smoked sausage in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until golden, then drain the excess fat.
What kind of beans are required for this dish?
The recipe calls for three 15-ounce cans of black beans.
Do I need to rinse the black beans?
Yes, the black beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the mixture.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 5-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes chopped onion, celery, and green pepper, often referred to as the 'holy trinity' in Creole cooking.
How much onion, celery, and green pepper is needed?
You will need between 1 and 1.5 cups each of chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped green pepper.
How much garlic should I add?
The recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves.
What liquid ingredients are used for the base?
The base uses 1 cup of water and one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
What spices are used to create the Creole flavor?
The flavors come from dried thyme, chicken bouillon granules, white pepper, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle hint of heat.
How long does the dish need to cook in the slow cooker?
It should be cooked on low heat for 6 hours.
Should I cook this on high or low heat?
The instructions specify cooking on low heat to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What is the final step before serving?
Once cooking is complete, you must remove and discard the bay leaves and stir the mixture gently.
What is the best way to serve this Creole dish?
It is best served hot over a bed of fluffy, hot cooked rice.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight meal?
Yes, it is described as a comforting weeknight meal as well as being perfect for larger gatherings.
Can I use white pepper instead of black pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of white pepper for its distinct flavor profile.
How much dried thyme is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of dried thyme.
What is the purpose of the chicken bouillon granules?
The 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon granules helps enhance the savory depth of the bean mixture.
Can I prepare the vegetable mixture in advance?
Yes, you can combine the beans, vegetables, sauce, and spices in a separate bowl before pouring them over the sausage.
How many bay leaves are needed?
The recipe uses 2 bay leaves for seasoning.
Is the dish very spicy?
It has a mild warmth from the cayenne and white pepper, but it is generally considered savory and balanced rather than extremely hot.
Do I need to add salt to the recipe?
The recipe gets its saltiness from the smoked sausage, tomato sauce, and chicken bouillon, so additional salt is not explicitly listed.
What should I do with the sausage fat after browning?
The instructions recommend draining the excess fat before transferring the sausage to the slow cooker.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients listed, including the rice for serving.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried thyme, you could use fresh thyme, though you would generally need to triple the amount used.
Is this a gluten-free dish?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but you should check the labels on your smoked sausage and chicken bouillon to ensure they do not contain gluten additives.
What tags define this recipe's style?
This recipe is tagged as Creole, Southern cooking, comfort food, and a slow cooker meal.
How do I know when the dish is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have fully melded after 6 hours on low.