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New Orleans Red Beans and Rice

New Orleans Red Beans and Rice

New Orleans Red Beans and Rice is a classic Creole dish traditionally served on Mondays in Louisiana. It features creamy red beans simmered with smoked sausage, vegetables, and served over fluffy rice. This comforting meal is both hearty and flavorful, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Creole
Servings 4 People
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot or Dutch oven
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 chef's knife
  • 1 rice cooker or saucepan for rice

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound red beans, dried Soak overnight.
  • 8 cups water For soaking and cooking beans.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound smoked sausage (like Andouille), sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 4 cups cooked white rice
  • 2 green onions, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the red beans under cold water and soak them in 8 cups of water overnight. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until browned.
  • Add the soaked and drained beans, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves. Pour in 6 cups of fresh water, bringing the mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender.
  • Remove the bay leaves and season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Cook the white rice according to the package instructions or use a rice cooker.
  • Serve the red beans over a bed of rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

You can prepare this dish in advance. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of water.