Savory Creole Red Bean and Sausage Stew
Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with this Savory Creole Red Bean and Sausage Stew, a delightful dish that captures the essence of Cajun and Creole cooking. This comforting stew combines tender red beans with smoky Andouille sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of herbs and spices that create a warm, hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Serve it alongside fluffy white rice to soak up the flavorful broth, and you'll find yourself transported to the heart of Louisiana with every delicious spoonful!
4
Servings
400
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1/2 large (diced)
Celery
5 ribs (diced)
Green onions
6 (sliced thin (green part larger))
Garlic
2 tablespoons (minced)
Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning
1 tablespoon
Rotel Tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) can
Andouille sausage
1/2 lb
Red bell pepper
1/2
Bay leaves
2
Bacon grease
2 tablespoons
Butter
1/4 cup
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons
Louisiana hot sauce
1 tablespoon
Red beans
3 (15 ounce) cans (drained)
Black pepper
2 teaspoons
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh thyme
1 sprig (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
Water
2 cups
Instructions
1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and bacon grease over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion, celery, bell peppers, green onions, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Stir in the Andouille sausage, Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and fresh thyme. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Louisiana hot sauce, drained red beans, and one can of water (using the empty bean can). Stir well to combine.
4
Increase the heat to bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the stew to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken the stew slightly, so keep an eye on it to prevent it from drying out.
5
When the stew is thickened to your liking, remove from heat. Serve hot over fluffy white rice, garnished with additional sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy your hearty bowl of Creole comfort!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Creole Red Bean and Sausage Stew?
It is a comforting Southern dish featuring tender red beans, smoky Andouille sausage, and aromatic vegetables simmered in a flavorful Creole-spiced broth.
What ingredients make up the 'Holy Trinity' in this recipe?
The Holy Trinity consists of diced onion, celery, and bell pepper, which form the flavor base of the stew.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What type of sausage is recommended for this stew?
Andouille sausage is recommended for its distinct smoky and spicy flavor characteristic of Creole cuisine.
Can I use dried red beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you must soak them overnight and pre-cook them until tender before following the remaining steps of this recipe.
Is this Creole stew spicy?
It has a moderate level of heat from the Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, and Louisiana hot sauce, which can be adjusted to taste.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
One serving contains approximately 400 calories, 20g of fat, 37.5g of carbohydrates, and 16g of protein.
How long should the stew simmer?
The stew should simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken.
What should I serve as a side for this dish?
It is traditionally served over fluffy white rice to soak up the flavorful broth.
Can I substitute the bacon grease?
Yes, you can substitute the bacon grease with an equal amount of butter or a neutral oil like vegetable oil.
What is Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning?
It is a famous blend of salt, red pepper, black pepper, and garlic often used in Louisiana-style cooking.
How do I thicken the stew if it is too watery?
You can thicken it by simmering it longer uncovered or by mashing some of the beans against the side of the pot.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, use 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme in place of the one fresh sprig mentioned in the ingredients.
What are Rotel tomatoes?
Rotel is a brand of canned diced tomatoes that includes diced green chilies for extra flavor and a bit of heat.
Should I drain the Rotel tomatoes before adding them?
No, you should add the entire can including the liquid to enhance the stew's flavor.
How should I store leftovers of this stew?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Creole Red Bean and Sausage Stew?
Yes, this stew freezes very well for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
What is the purpose of adding Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami depth that complements the smoky sausage and beans.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, by omitting the sausage and bacon grease, using vegetable oil, and ensuring your Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly.
How do I reheat the stew?
Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you ensure that your specific brands of Andouille sausage and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.
Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
Yes, while green is traditional, red or orange bell peppers will work and add a slightly sweeter flavor.
What can I use if I do not have Louisiana hot sauce?
You can use any vinegar-based hot sauce or increase the amount of cayenne pepper slightly.
Why is the water measured using the empty bean can?
This is a traditional technique that ensures you capture any remaining starch from the beans to help thicken the sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely; vegetables like okra, carrots, or even kale can be added during the simmering stage.
What type of pot is best for cooking this recipe?
A large heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven is best for maintaining even heat and preventing scorching.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 16 grams of protein in each serving of this stew.
Can I use chicken instead of Andouille sausage?
Yes, though you might lose some of the signature smokiness unless you use smoked chicken or add liquid smoke.
Does this recipe require extra salt?
Usually not, as the Creole seasoning and canned beans often contain enough salt for the entire dish.
How many garlic cloves are in 2 tablespoons of minced garlic?
Two tablespoons of minced garlic is roughly equivalent to 6 medium-sized cloves.