Description
A classic Louisiana comfort dish packed with bold flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried red beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the beans: Start the night before or a few hours in advance by soaking the dried red beans in water, which helps soften them and reduces cooking time. Drain when ready to cook.
- Sauté the base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add a splash of oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic & sausage: Stir in the minced garlic and sausage slices. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sausage is browned.
- Mix in the beans and liquids: Add the soaked beans to the pot along with the chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
- Bring to a boil & simmer: Increase the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 90 to 120 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Final adjustments: As the beans approach tenderness, taste for seasoning. Adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve!: When you’re ready to serve, remove and discard the bay leaf. Spoon the red beans over a bed of fluffy rice, and garnish with fresh green onions.
Notes
This dish often tastes even better the next day and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Cajun, Red Beans, Rice, Southern Cooking, Comfort Food, Louisiana